Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1809-1841 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 volume, 10 files
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative 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.
Name of creator
Administrative history
In 1835 the status of freemen in York as the sole electorate, master craftsmen, traders and officials was ended as part of municipal reform. In 1953 a Gild of freemen was setup to "enhance the good reputation of the City of York" and "maintain and develop the rights and privileges of the Admitted Citizens and Freemen of York".
See also Strays Committee.
Name of creator
Administrative history
By the 16th/17th centuries pasture-masters for each ward administered the common lands. Traditionally appointed by Wardmote Courts, but occasionally by the corporation. Following inclosure, pasturemasters were appointed by the corporation, but this was challenged in 1835. In the nineteenth century, appointments switched between the corporation and wardmote courts/freemen a number of times, alongside disputes over corporation control and ownership of the lands themselves.
Appointed by/reported to Wardmote Court and/or Corporation. See also Freemen (Reformed) and Freemen (Unreformed)
Repository
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Includes petitions, dispute and judgment papers, meeting minutes, inclosure papers, deeds and property transactions, pasturemaster accounts.
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open
Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.
Conditions governing reproduction
Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
.Listed to item level in Giles catalogue (1909)
Finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
See also 'Strays - Maps and disputes concerning all strays': Y/COU/3/10