The Stationers’ Company says…
600 years ago most craftsmen in London were itinerant. However the manuscript writers and illuminators decided to concentrate their efforts and set up stalls or ‘stations’ around St Paul’s Cathedral. Because of this they were given the nickname ‘Stationers’ and this was the obvious choice of name for the guild they established in 1403 and for its home, Stationers’ Hall, which remains within a stone’s throw of the Cathedral in Ave Maria Lane.
When printing came to England in the late 15th century, the Stationers had the good sense to embrace it and we have continued to adapt to the many changes in the Communications and Content industries ever since. The technology may have changed from pen and inks to print and on-line links but the name has always remained the same!
The Stationers’ Company stands out among the older Livery Companies in that by far the vast majority of the members are involved with the modern Communications and Content industries descended from the original trades which formed the guild in 1403.
The Communications and Content industries contribute over 6% of the UK’s GDP. As such they represent a vital part of the UK’s economy, matching the contribution of the Financial Services sector.