Worshipful Company of Dyers

The Worshipful Company of Dyers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Dyers' Guild existed in the twelfth century; it received a Royal Charter in 1471. It originated as a trade association for members of the dyeing industry, but it is now mainly a charitable institution.

The company participates in a ceremony known as Swan Upping. Traditionally, the Sovereign owns all umarked mute swans on the River Thames. Under a Royal Charter of the fifteenth century, the Dyers' Company and the Vintners' Company (another Livery Company) are entitled to share in the Sovereign's ownership. The ceremony of Swan Upping occurs annually during the third week of July. During the ceremony, the Queen's, the Dyers', and the Vintners' Swan Uppers row up the river in skiffs. Swans caught by the Queen's Swan Uppers remain unmarked, those caught by the Dyers' are ringed on one leg, and those caught by the Vintners are ringed on both legs.

The Dyers' Company ranks thirteenth in the order of precedence of Livery Companies. The Company's motto is Da Gloriam Deo, Latin for Give Glory to God.