The rest of the brief history furnished by the Company is a recital of the later charters, which do not seem of very great importance. The number of liverymen in 1898 was 344; the Corporate Income was £46,053; the Trust Income was £7235.
Freemen, the widows of freemen, and freewomen, being in poor circumstances, are eligible for pecuniary relief by way of grant or pension, or for election to the Company’s almshouses. The children of freemen are eligible for weekly pensions or pecuniary relief.
Loans are also made by the Company in special cases in aid of freemen in necessitous circumstances.
The Company has established a number of educational exhibitions for the children of deserving freemen, and subscribe liberally to the City of London Institute.
FISHMONGERS’ HALL IN 1811
The children of freemen are also eligible for the nominations to Christ’s Hospital in the gift of the Company.
Liverymen have the usual privileges, and receive invitations in turn to dine at livery dinners in the Company’s hall.
The Company’s first hall was the house of Lord Fanhope given to the Fishmongers by him in the reign of Henry VIII. It was rebuilt after the Fire by Jarman. It stood on the north foot of the present bridge. The present hall was erected when New London Bridge swallowed up its predecessor.