History

Over the centuries Royal life and tastes changed. Henry VIII appointed Thomas Hewytt to ‘Serve the Court with Swannes and Cranes’ and ‘all kinds of Wildfoule’. The Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 was largely put together by Royal tradesmen. Charles II’s 1684 list of Royal tradesmen included a Sword Cutter, an Operator for the Teeth, and a Goffe-club Maker. Among the tradesmen supplying the Royal Household in 1789 were a pin maker, a mole taker, a card maker and a rat catcher.

In the late 18th century Royal tradesmen began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery. But it was Queen Victoria who ensured Royal Warrants gained the prestige they enjoy today. During her 64 year reign the Queen and her family granted more than 2000 Royal Warrants, eight times as many as the Queen’s uncle, George IV. They included companies such as Fortnum & Mason, Schweppes, and Twinings, which still hold Warrants today. Women granted Warrants included a Modeller of Wax Flowers, a Chronometer Maker and a Silversmith.

Royal Warrants continue to be a prestigious mark of recognition to those who are regular suppliers of goods and services to certain members of the Royal Family.

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