Traditions & History
History
In England, the establishment of “burgs” by King Alfred of Wessex provided a safe environment for tradesmen to work and live free from the control of warlords. These burgs were directly responsible to the King, and their inhabitants, known as burgesses, paid rent for their properties and were distinguished from the rural communities under feudal lords.
Harry Ward, MSc, FRIC, FCIS ~ Founder President
Founder of the Association of Freemen of England: leader of the battle to ensure the preservation of the Freedom during the legislative procedures of the Local Government Act of 1972: enthusiast, indefatigable, lovable.
Origins of Freedom and FEW
From the time people ceased to be hunters, craftsmen and merchants had gathered together in communities. Mankind became ‘civilized’ because they developed the ability to make and use tools. The most able became ‘tradesmen’ and were recognized as experts. Those whose main ability was to kill became nobles or soldiers.
Freemen Terminology
Freedom (or privilege) is the subject of rights enjoyed by entitlement based upon old precedents, liberties and customs. The word ‘freeman’ was not used before the fourteenth century.
Aspects of the Freedom
This set of papers, regarded by their receptive audiences as pearls of wisdom and essential follow-up reading were, according to Charles himself, merely discussion documents. They were written, and presented, at a time when occasional threats were being made against the Freedom in several places and when there was little, if any, prospect of any sympathetic Parliamentary Legislation.
