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Grocers’ Company (The), that is, dealers en gros, were originally called Pepperers, and were incorporated by a charter given by Edward III. They are rich in church livings, and possess four free grammar schools besides exhibitions at the universities. Their present abode, close to Cheapside, is not remarkable for beauty, but is spacious and comfortable. The one admirable object in the house is a stained glass window. Portraits of Pitt and Baron Heath are noteworthy ornaments. The Grocers’ plate is remarkable, more especially two large silver-gilt loving cups, dated respectively 1668 and 1669. The present hall was finished in 1802. 

Charles Dickens (Jr.), Dickens's Dictionary of London, 1879

STAIRCASE OF THE GROCERS HALL 

Second in standing to the Mercers' alone, the Grocers' Company has played an important part in the history of London. Its Hall, within a stone's throw of the Bank, occupies the site of the ancient Synagogue in Old Jewry and, as may be judged from our picture of the Grand Staircase, it is a building worthy the dignified traditions of the "Pepperers," to give the Company its old name.

MERCERS' HALL PREPARED FOR A LIVERY MEETING.

The Mercers Company, incorporated 1393 stands first of all in civic precedence Its Guild-honse, which was re-built in 1884, is entered from Ironmonger Lane, Cheapside. Our picture shows the handsome wainscoted hall laid out fur a livery meeting. The members of the higher grade of the chief City companies are called liverymen from the distinctive dress which they are entitled to wear.