Freeman of City of York

[familysearcher]

what exactly did this mean?

I have a copy of a certificate for my step fathers great uncle becoming a freeman of the city - he was 20 at the time which seems a bit young to be awarded an honour.

Was it something that happened to all trades when they finished their apprenticeships?

Sue

[behindthefrogs]

Quote

A freeman is one who held the full rights of citizenship, such as voting and engaging in business (as opposed to an indentured servant). a man who was free of trade taxes and who shared in the profits of the borough in which he lived and traded, a tenant who was free of feudal service and a man who had served his apprenticeship and who could then work at his trade in his own right. In the city of London nearly all freemen became so by virtue of being freemen of a City Guild. On attaining company freedom, a man would automatically apply for the freedom of the City. He was entitled to call himself ‘Citizen’.

David

[familysearcher]

thanks for this - will have to do a bit more research!

[harrison]

I was born in York & whilst researching my family history I discovered that a branch of MY were Freemen of the City of York,they became Freemen on completion of their respective aprenticeships,as a result of this discovery I am entitled to become a Freeman of York & will be attending the Freemanship ceromony in October.  Joan.