About Freemen
More Info About Freemen
To be a Freeman was a significant status, often associated with the prosperity within a community. The routes to becoming a Freeman included patrimony (inheritance from father to son), servitude (completion of an apprenticeship), and redemption (a means of purchase). These paths remain open today, although local customs can vary widely.
What is Guild/Gild?
A guild or gild is a group or organisation of people with a common interest or goal, often related to a particular trade, craft, or activity. The term has different meanings depending on the context. In the past, guilds were associations of artisans or merchants who controlled the practice of their craft in a particular town or region. The members of the guild or gild were often given “freedom” of the town or city hence making them Freemen. The guilds or gild set standards for the quality of work, controlled training through apprenticeships. The members of the Guild or gild was the civic leaders of the city or town, they managed the common lands of the city of the town. Examples include the guilds of blacksmiths, weavers, or masons in medieval cities.
There are still modern day guilds of craftsman across the country.
The essential feature of a guild is that it is a collective of people united by a shared purpose, often with rules or guidelines for how they operate and interact.
What is a Court Leet?
A Court Leet is a group of jurors or pledges who are local citizens. The Courts Leet are presided over by the Lord of the Manor or their representative (often a Mayor). Jurors or Pledges are elected every year, where there was an annual meeting to discuss the running of the community.
It was part of the manorial system and functioned as a form of local administration. The Court Leet dealt with various matters related to law, order, and the management of the land within a manor or parish.
In summary, a Court Leet was a local court with jurisdiction over minor criminal offences, nuisances, and administrative matters within a manor or parish, rooted in the medieval English legal system.
Guilds, Gilds and Courts Leet
As a group of individuals the members were seen as the civic leaders of the town or city and dealt with issues related to the maintenance of local order and the administration of justice in the community.
They had the authority to deal with certain offences related to public morality or nuisances, such as the keeping of stray animals, disputes over boundaries, or improper use of common lands.
Presentment of nuisances: The court could present (declare) nuisances or breaches of local ordinances, such as improper waste disposal, illegal markets, etc.
What are the privileges of being a modern Freemen?
Today, while many of the practical privileges may no longer apply, being a freeman often carries ceremonial and symbolic significance. It represents a connection to the historical and civic heritage of one’s town or city. Freemen are encouraged to participate in the events of their towns and other towns, and fostering knowledge. The role has become more about preserving tradition and participating in community life rather than exercising specific legal or economic privileges.
Are there notable historical figures who were Freemen?
Notable individuals are made honorary freemen (depending on local customs of town, city or borough) for their contributions to society, their professions, or for their service to the community. The title of Freeman is often considered an honor, reflecting the historical significance of the role and the civic traditions that continue to this day. For example Lord Nelson became a Freeman of Gloucester and several other Towns or Cities.
- Lord Nelson
- Sarah Ferguson
- Duke of Westminster – Chester
- Duke of Gloucester – Gloucester