Formed to promote the interests of hammermen, the Incorporation's minute books contain statutes for the regulation of the crafts involved. These regulations are seen to be observed in the entries regarding the training of apprentices, admissions, and standards of goods produced. The majority of entries relate to financial matters such as fines for trading malpractices, and until the mid 16th century, to moral misdemeanours. Social functions of the Incorporation are shown in payments made to needy members and their families, while religious functions are apparent prior to the Reformation. An altar and a chaplain were maintained and there are frequent references to plays performed by members at the feast of Corpus Christi in honour of their patron, St Eloy (MS.19239 folios 2, 29).