About Us
The Freemen of England & Wales is an association of guilds, gilds, courts leet or similar bodies, and of individual freemen, from towns and cities throughout England and Wales.
About Freeman of England and Wales
- The association was established in 1966 to represent the Freemen bodies in towns and cities throughout England and Wales.
- The association is non-political and brings together like-minded individuals who enjoy participating in their civic heritage.
- The Freemen of England and Wales today continue to celebrate and participate in their civic heritage, maintaining the traditions and rights that have been passed down through generations.
What is a Freeman ?
The concept of “freedom” within communities dates back to the times when craftsmen and merchants formed the governing bodies of boroughs across the land.
The term “Freeman” or “Burgess” historically referred to individuals who were free from feudal servitude and had the right to trade and own property within the boroughs.
Freemen are men or women who have liberties (freedoms) in ancient manorial towns, boroughs and cities. Freedom exists today within historic Borough Guilds, Gilds and Manorial Courts Leet where they have retained a lawful inheritance of their ancient rites.
There are various different types and routes to becoming a Freeman.
Please click HERE for further information on history and types of Freemen.