Guilds Of London

Categories: Medieval

Mechanics: Area Majority/Influence, Hand Management, Modular Board

Players: 1–4

Ages: 10+

Playtime: 45–90 Min

London, the largest, most influential, and wealthiest city in England during the late medieval and early modern periods, was heavily shaped by its Guilds. These Guilds were central to the city's life, controlling trade, manufacturing, and business. Their members, who were among the richest men in the city, held the most powerful civic positions, with the Lord Mayor of London often being the chief representative of the Guilds, and the Aldermen being the leading delegates. Other Guild members, known as burghers, also wielded significant influence. The Guilds ran the city's commerce, each with its own Hall and Coat of Arms. They gathered at the Guildhall to deliberate on important matters of the day.

In Guilds of London, you take on the role of placing your liverymen in strategic Guilds, building your power base to achieve the status of Master in as many Guilds as possible. You also have the chance to extend your influence into the commercially valuable Ulster or Virginia plantations. Gaining control of each Guild grants you victory points and additional actions that can be leveraged to steer the future development of the city.