The Weavers of Glasgow date back to the Middle Ages when members of the craft were those entitled to make and sell woven clothes within the ancient burgh. The craft became incorporated by a charter from the famous Archbishop Gavin Dunbar as feudal lord of Glasgow in 1528, but is known to have been in existence at least as far back as 1514. Even in those days, when their main function was to control standards in the weaving trade, the Weavers also had a charitable role "to help and comfort of their decayit brethereine... and other godlie shows". This work has continued right up to the present day.