Membership of the Worshipful Company of Poulters falls into two categories: Freeman and Liverymen. One may become a freeman, or acquire the “freedom of the company”, upon fulfilling the Company’s criteria: traditionally, one may be admitted by “patrimony or matrimony”, if either of one’s parents were a liveryman of the Company at the date of ones birth; by “servitude”, if one has served the requisite number of years as an apprentice to the Company; or by “redemption”, i.e. by paying a fee. The Company may also vote to admit individuals as Honorary Freemen. Freemen are generally entitled to advance to becoming Liverymen by a vote of the Court of the Company. Only Liverymen can take part in the election of the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, and the other traditional officers of the City of London.
Table of Fees from 1st April 2024
Admission to Freedom of the Company by either Patrimony or Matrimony £150
Admission to Freedom of the Company by Redemption £300
Admission to the Livery from Freedom by either Patrimony or Matrimony £650
Admission to the Livery from Freedom by Redemption £1,250, under 40 on admission £500
Admission as a Court Assistant £1,000
Quarterage of £320 per annum payable on 1st April each year