The Trades House of Glasgow
The Trades House of Glasgow was created at the time of reform of
Glasgow's local government in 1605. At that time the electorate was
basically divided into two groups, the Merchants and the Craftsmen.
The Craft Incorporations or Guilds comprised the trades Rank of
Burgesses under the leadership of the deacon convener, who was
given a council. This included the Craft leaders and is the body we
now recognise as the Trades House.
Today The Trades House still meets in the Trades Hall in
Glassford Street, which, apart from the mediaeval cathedral, is the
oldest building in Glasgow still used for its original
purpose.
Guilds and Craft Incorporations are the Scottish equivalent of the
craft guilds or livery companies, which developed in most of the
great cities of Europe in the Middle Ages. Over the years many of
the House's political and legal duties have been transferred to
other bodies, but the charitable functions and concern for the
future of Glasgow very much remain. The assistance of the needy,
the encouragement of youth and support for education, particularly
the Schools and the Further Education Colleges in developing craft
standards, are now its chief objects.
On the 6th of February 2005 the 8,000 members of the Trades House
and the 14 Incorporated Trades celebrated their 400th year of
service in Glasgow, which was shared with the Merchants House and
the City Council who have the same anniversary.
The Trades House of Glasgow is a registered charity. Charity no.
SCO 40548.
