During the centuries of German economic domination, the guilds were Riga's power brokers. The former, dating from 1384, was the home of the merchants, while the latter held the city's artisans. These slightly different audiences are reflected in the respective usage of the buildings today: while the Great Guild is home to the Latvian Symphony Orchestra, its smaller cousin hosts conferences and the occasional disco. The Small Guild is also open to the public during the day for a small admission fee.
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George Bastin
gab001@sovision.co.uk
4. 3. 2026
Dear Sir, Re: Guilds of Latvia The Livery Companies of the City of London were originally guilds. I understand that Latvia also had guilds and I am researching to see if any of these guilds still exist today. RIGA Guilds. There were Guilds of Merchants; and Coopers in Riga. 117. Stieda, W. and Mettig, C. (Editors) SCHRAGEN DER GILDEN UND AEMTER DER STADT RIGA BIS 1621. Gesellschaft für Geschichte und Alterthumskunde der Ostseeprovinzen Russlands, Riga, Latvia 1896; I am hoping that by locating and contacting any existing guilds we might be able to form a cultural exchange that would bring our Countries closer together. I hope that you may be able to help? Best regards George Bastin. Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers