The Story Of The Mysterious Mercers' Maidens

London’s streets are full of historical curiosities, hiding in plain sight.

One of my favourites to spot are, what are known as, ‘Mercer’s maidens’.

The Mercers’ Company

The Mercers’ Company dates back, most likely, to the 12th century and were given a Royal charter in 1394. They are one of the City of London’s oldest and most wealthy livery companies.

The City of London’s livery companies predominantly have their origins in medieval trading guilds. The Mercers would have originally been a trade guild/association for merchants, particularly in fine silks and fabrics.

They rank as first in order of precedence in the ‘Great Twelve City Livery Companies’. The list also includes the Drapers (3rd), Grocers (2nd) and Goldsmiths (5th).

Mercers company headquarters — _{The Mercers’ Company’s HQ on Frederick’s Place in the City}

As is the case with lots of the livery companies, it is now a charitable institution and they donate around £7 million every year to over 180 charities.

The money predominantly comes from their large property portfolio. See their website here for more info on what they do today.

This is where our maidens come into play.

The Mercers’ Maidens

Since at least 1425 the company have used the ‘Mercer’s maiden’ as their emblem. The origin of the figure is, unfortunately, unknown.

mercers maiden coat of arms — _{The Mercers’ Company’s coat of arms depicted in 1633}

They use this maiden emblem to mark the various properties they own around London. Most of their property is in the Covent Garden area as per my Hidden History of Covent Garden Walk.

The Mercers’ Company acquired a great deal of the North side of Long Acre in Covent Garden in the 16th century.

You will see her…

…on bollards.

mercers maidens covent garden — _{Neal Street, Covent Garden}

… on doors.

…over entrances.

mercers maiden doorway — _{Also found on Long Acre}

…and, in the case of this one on Ironmonger Lane, just randomly on the wall.

You will also find Mercer Walk near Covent Garden, laid out on land owned by the Mercers’ Company. On Mercer Walk look out for the tiny model of their last ceremonial barge, commissioned in 1718.