The Worshipful Company of Horners is both an ancient guild and livery company, and a modern City Institution. The first historic reference to the Company was recorded in 1284, although the craft of the horner dates from centuries earlier. In 1476 the Bottlemakers whose trade was being eroded by glass bottles joined the Horners'. The Company operates under a Charter received from Charles I in 1638 [although it is known that there were earlier charters]. As the craft of working with horn declined, in 1943 the Company had the vision to adopt horn's modern equivalent, plastics. Today, the Worshipful Company of Horners maintains both its ancient links to the City of London and to the Plastics Industry and seeks to support the horner's craft. Its Liverymen hail from many backgrounds, including the City, the Plastics Industry and the professions. Its Charities and Awards support activities in education, design, the City and industry.