ABSTRACT
The best quality hats were known as 'beavers' and in 1604 an unauthorised company of feltmakers petitioned for and received from King James I a charter of incorporation. This Company was refused recognition by the Merchant Haberdashers, which had during the previous century absorbed the hatters' and cappers' guilds. The City of London supported the Haberdashers and the issue remained unresolved until 1667 when Charles 11 granted to the Feltmakers a new and exclusive Charter which was duly enrolled by the City.
