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Author: ashelley

Borough Freemen

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…

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Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Freemen of Newcastle-upon-Tyne The following article was placed in the ‘City of London & Dockland Times’ 20 March 1991.  Produced by my very good friend and collaborator, Raymond C. Jorden (dec) former learned Clerk to our livery, the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.  This article was published in support of my office at that time as Deputy President of the Freemen of England & Wales. Guilds of Freemen in the major Cities of England Links between London and the Cities of…

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Freedom (Association)

Freedom (Association)

Discussion What does our Freedom really mean?  It is a subject of liberty and tradition, but how does it relate to present society.  Are we describing a situation, a movement, an archaic institution or perhaps an inclusion into a social club?  In terms of a freemen’s association (guild, court leet etc) it can be more easily understood by recognition of its original purpose and meaning. Freedom is the liberty to exercise a right (while acting responsibly) Freemen have a prerogative…

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Freemen’s Property Rights

Freemen’s Property Rights

An Analysis of Town Lands  Freemen are jealously proud of their ancient inherited property. Politicians and their lawyers from time to time bring lands once commonly known as belonging to Freemen into question. The argument over ownership has been a bone of contention for many years dating back to 1835. It is a sensitive subject that can cause confusion and frustration among freemen in towns throughout England and Wales The question arises over who actually ‘owns’ the land. Land and…

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Viewpoints from Wycken End

Viewpoints from Wycken End

Freedom and Liberty Freedom has multifaceted meanings that stem from the right to liberty.  It also includes ancient rights and liberties not necessarily available to all of society.  Freedom can be the power to act, think and speak about things.  It is the power of self-determination of the will to action. As freedom is the state of being free and at liberty to act upon ones rights – It does not provide carte blanche the right to act without responsibility. …

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Green and Pleasant Land

Green and Pleasant Land

English ‘heritage’ or all that we inherit can evoke a wide range of emotions.  These will include family connections with past and future generations; buildings, properties, art and of the physical landscape.  Such emotions may also include patriotism, sporting competition and raise aspirations for improvement.  We may also be thinking of typical meadowland, farmsteads, cottage gardens, traditional village greens and communal life. Perhaps the best description of heritage is that which is worthy of preserving.  Preservation is an area that…

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Forest Rights

Forest Rights

It was a noble pastime of the Anglo-Danish kings to hunt for game in the English countryside.  William the Norman Conqueror brought a particular passion for vigorous hunting sessions.  Having initially agreed to abide by the customary English folkright he quite soon after imposed certain regulations over the hunting grounds. Forest or nova foresta was a term given by the Normans to determine the areas adopted by the crown for hunting purposes.  It does not only describe the tree cover…

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