The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards is one of the early Trade Guilds in the City of London. The Company was founded as the "Mistery of Makers of Playing Cards of the City of London" by a Charter granted by King Charles 1 on 22nd October 1628. Some 164 years later, on 27th November 1792 the Court of Aldermen granted the Company its Livery. Accordingly, though 75th in order of precedence, it is one of the older of the City Livery companies, which now exceed 100 in number. The number of Liverymen is limited to 150.

The Livery Companies developed out of the medieval guilds in the City. These guilds originally evolved from a religious base, as craftsmen in specific trades congregated in parishes. From their congregations voluntary associations were formed for mutual aid and protection of their members.

Gradually, trade considerations took over and the guild's main role became the regulation of their trades or crafts within the City. They exercised control over standards, including the power of search, and the training of apprentices. The Makers of Playing Cards was a craft, rather than a trade, company.

Members of the Livery, Liverymen, were drawn from the freemen of the City and became freemen of the Companies, qualifying by patrimony (inheritance), servitude (apprenticeship), or redemption (purchase).

Management of the City was based on a charter granted to its citizens by King William I that provided a remarkable degree of autonomy. They then won from King John the right to vote for their Mayor. Civic power originally rested with the Court of Aldermen who administered justice in matters of dispute within the City, regulated the Livery Companies and settled all inter-livery disputes. Liverymen elected the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs.