Established in 1891 to represent the butchery trade, the Bristol & District Master Butchers Association had over 300 members at its peak, but membership declined as independent butchers closed down.

The chain and badge of office were made in 1907. The association gave them to The Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives in 2001. By that time, the number of independent butchers was not enough to keep the Association going, and it was disbanded.