The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen: A History of Helping a City and its People, by Graeme Nicol, Alexander Sutherland and George Leslie Donaldson.
Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press, 2025. 542pp+ 16pp plates. ISBN 978-1-85752-153-5 (Paperback)
Detailed Description
The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen: A History of Helping a City and its People
Graeme Nicol, Alexander Sutherland and George Leslie Donaldson
The Seven Incorporated Trades have been an integral part of Aberdeen's history for over 800 years, significantly contributing to the city's development and wellbeing. As craftsmen and Burgesses of Trade, they engaged in local and international trade, bringing wealth and resources to their town. Additionally, they made civic contributions by funding public works, charitable, and civic projects, enhancing the lives of residents.
This book is the first extended history of the organisation since 1887 and places their history in the context of the city’s urban development, the relationship between Aberdeen and its hinterland, and the history of European trade organisations.
Contents:
Part One: Setting the Scene
1 The Seven Incorporated Trades: Constancy in Context
2 Artisans and the Evolution of Craft Guilds
3 Scotland’s Incorporated Trades
Part Two: The Emergence of the Seven Incorporated Trades
4 Aberdeen’s Early Trades in Burghal Life: Symbiosis and Conflict
5 The Burgh’s Incorporations are recognised by Crown and Council
6 Dr William Guild: Benefactor with Heart and Vision
7 The Trades Preserve their Principles and Practices while Adapting to Change
Part Three: Progress Through Benign Practice
8 An Overview of Aberdeen Trades’ Structures and Governance
9 Shaping the Principled Craftsman
10 The Incorporated Trades’ Contribution to Education: providing Moral Guidance and Opportunities for Self-betterment
11 The Seven Incorporated Trades' Engagement with Political and Social Reform
Part Four: Influence that Endures
12 The City of Aberdeen and the Seven Incorporated Trades Embrace Modernity
13 Constant Support for the Wellbeing of a City’s People
14 The Treasured Possessions of Trinity Hall: a Testament to Enduring Principles
15 The Seven Incorporated Trades: Constancy in Practice
Appendices
A The Constitution of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen
B Origin and Constitution of the Trades’ School
C Trades’ School Press Report
D Burgh Reform Resolutions
E Trinity Hall Time Capsule 1846
F Orders and Instructions for the Constables 1757
G Consecration of Trinity Cemetery 1885
H The Seven Incorporated Trades Archives – Minute Books
I Convener Court Response Songs
Bibliography
Index
