1200 – All Powerful

As the original textile guild, the Weavers’ was very powerful, for the cloth trade was the basis of England’s economy throughout the middle ages but their privileged position and independence from judicial authority caused ill-feeling with some citizens, and envy amongst other trades.  Attempts were made to persuade King John to dissolve the Weavers’ Guild in return for a higher payment by the citizens but the Weavers were wealthy enough to raise their own payment and the deal fell through.  However, pressure on the Guild persisted during the thirteenth century, causing it so much concern that it deposited its Charter in the Exchequer for safe-keeping.