Worshipful Company of Skinners
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The Worshipful Company of Skinners (known as The Skinners' Company) is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. It was originally an association of fur traders. It has evolved into an educational and charitable institution, supporting schools such as Tonbridge School and The Judd School in Tonbridge, Kent, Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells and the Skinners' School for Girls in London.
Under an order issued by the Lord Mayor of London in the 15th century, the Company ranks in sixth or seventh place (making it one of the "Great Twelve City Livery Companies") in the order of precedence of the Livery Companies, alternating annually with the Merchant Taylors' Company. This may have been the origin of the phrase "At sixes and sevens".
The Skinners are normally sixth in the order of precedence in even numbered years, and at seven in odd numbered years, but as the Lord Mayor for 2005/6 is a member of the Merchant Taylor's company they will keep precedence will be no change until 2008, unless the Lord Mayor elected for 2006/7 is a Skinner.
The Company's motto is To God Only Be All Glory.
