With the evolution of crafts and trades there were concerns on the part of the craftsmen and of the people who employed them;
To balance these needs the guilds were brought into existence. In recognition of their responsibility to oversee who was qualified to do the job, they were given the legal right that only people who were members of the guild were allowed to practice the craft.
Like all systems, this one was not perfect and was open to abuse. One of the main criticism's of this system was that of the abuse of the apprentices, who served their time with a master until they were considered qualified enough to leave and start their career as a journeyman. Many of the masters used the apprentices to make money and do their work for them. Alot of the time spent by the apprentice in his apprenticeship was spent in service and not in training. This criticism resulted in dis-bandment of all guilds in France at the end of the 17th century.
Surgeons were originally part of the Barber's guild. A schism occurred so that the Surgeons and Barbers went their separate ways. The college of surgeons in Ireland were given their charter by King George III, this meant that it was only the College of Surgeons in Ireland that was permitted to train surgeons. With the award of the charter the College became known as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The award of the charter to the college of surgeons is celebrated annually at the charter day meeting and dinner.