Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
- Freemen (Unreformed); pre-1155-1835
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
Not every resident of York was a freemen, and not all freemen were residents. Prior to 1835, the freemen formed the electorate, served as the civic administration, and returned Members of Parliament. The proportion of locally-born and incoming freeman varied over time, and did the cost and ease of access. Honorary freemen were also appointed, often royality or members of the nobility. The corporation strictly regulated the freedom, punishing unfree offenders and overseeing the guilds.
Places
Legal status
Freedom could be gained by patrimony, servitude/apprenticeship, or purchased. A fee was paid and an oath taken before the Lord Mayor.
Functions, occupations and activities
Freemen were legally able to practice a craft or trade as a master and enjoy the privileges of the city such as exemptions from tolls. Freeman had the use of the strays (common lands) and could take part in the running of the city as elected or appointed members or officials. Both men and women could become freemen.
Mandates/sources of authority
Internal structures/genealogy
General context
Not every resident of York was a freemen, and not all freemen were residents. Prior to 1835, the freemen formed the electorate, served as the civic administration, and returned Members of Parliament. The proportion of locally-born and incoming freeman varied over time, and did the cost and ease of access. Honorary freemen were also appointed, often royality or members of the nobility. The corporation strictly regulated the freedom, punishing unfree offenders and overseeing the guilds.
Relationships area
Related entity
Identifier of related entity
Category of relationship
Type of relationship
Dates of relationship
Description of relationship
Access points area
Subject access points
Place access points
Occupations
Control area
Authority record identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation, revision and deletion
Language(s)
Script(s)
Sources
VCH York,