Liveries. The precise period when liveries were first worn by domestics is unknown. In olden times tradesmen as well as servants wore these badges. Anterior to Richard II., tradesmen who served a nobleman's family wore his livery, and the placing of royal and noble arms over tradesmen's shops to this day is a relic of such a custom. The livery of London, besides the dress of their companies, often wore on great occasions, from compliment, that of the king, noblemen, lord mayor. etc.