Borough Freemen
‘Borough Freemen’ describes a representative body of individuals connected with historic ‘borough’ towns. Also known as ‘free burgesses’ in reference to the burgage properties that once made up the old boroughs. Up until 1835 (Municipal Corporations Act) and the establishment of elected Councils, towns and cities were governed by Corporations of Freemen. Borough Freemen have a proud history as descendants of artisan tradesmen. Their forebears were mercantile businessmen that formed the backbone of the British economy. A freeman is a…