Cutler's Hall, The City of London

The Ancient Company of Cutlers (knife makers and repairers) is No.18 in the list of the Livery Companies of the City of London, getting its Royal Charter in 1416.

Each livery Company has a livery hall, and this is their's. It was designed by Tayler Smith, the Company's surveyor, in 1888. That's a terracotta frieze facade on it. The frieze shows the process of knife-making and is by the sculptor Benjamin Creswick.

They have had a Company Arms (badge) since 1476 which shows an elephant and a castle. The elephant represents the ivory that was used for the best knife handles.

Sometime before 1602, a pub was started a few miles south of London, in the deep countryside, in the village of Newington. Some say that the pub was named The Cutler's Inn, and a sign hung outside showing the Cutlers' crest.

Over time, the village grew, and London grew, and the pub became very well known. Shakespeare even mentions it in Twelfth Night. In Act 3 Scene 3 Antonio says "In the south suburbs, at the Elephant, is best to lodge."

In 1750, Newington village was renamed Elephant & Castle, but there are different stories behind why, and the truth is still not clear.