History of the Worshipful Company of Nurses

In 2014 a group of eight enterprising nurses, the Founders, who had trained at St Bartholomew’s
School of Nursing, developed an idea to start a City Livery Company. They recognised the value and
contribution that Livery Companies offer and felt that nurses should be included amongst the noble
professions who are represented in the Livery world. This was an opportunity to promote the nursing
profession and to leave a lasting legacy to nursing that will live well beyond their careers and lifetimes.

Two years later in 2016 The Guild of Nurses was established. In 2017 the Company of Nurses
Charitable Trust began to award scholarships; recognising excellence and innovation by nurses;
working with other organisations who share the same aims; and providing benevolence to nurses and
former nurses in need.

In 2020, the Bicentenary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, The Guild was recognised as a Company
without Livery.

The Court of Aldermen of the City of London considered the Petition submitted by the Court of the
Company of Nurses on May 15, 2023, and approved the Company’s recognition as the Worshipful
Company of Nurses. The Company joined the other 110 Livery Companies, the oldest of which dates
back to the 12th century and takes its place as number 111 in order of precedence.

On Wednesday 2 July 2025, The Worshipful Company of Nurses received the official granting of Letters Patent, marking a significant milestone in its history. The formal and very special ceremony was held in Mansion House attended by members of the Company and distinguished guests, including those who had helped the Company in its early days as a Guild.

Letters Patent grant specific rights, privileges and titles. This is a prestigious legal instrument, validated with the Lord Mayor’s seal to signify the establishment of The Worshipful Company of Nurses as Livery Company number 111, with its core purposes of education, friendship and charitable giving.

The Worshipful Company of Nurses is profession based and membership is restricted to those who are,
or have been, on the Nursing & Midwifery Register (or equivalent body), undergraduates and nursing
associates.