Browsed by
Author: ashelley

A Civilization of Man

A Civilization of Man

From that prehistoric period of ‘hunter gathering’ and ‘slash and burn’ of the wild forest, man’s progress has been continually developing into a sophisticated environment, possibly dreamt of by the Greek philosophers in the ancient world. We may even regard ‘civilization’ to be the pinnacle of aspiration. Simply considered, those early migrant tribal societies would be seeking life in communal safety. This is a complex subject that has many facets to its understanding. It involves the physical progress, cultural, political…

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Charity

Charity

Government guidance to the Law in England and Wales: What the law says a charity is – To be a charity, your organisation must satisfy the definition of a charity in the Charities Act. The Charities Act says that a ‘charity’ is an institution which. Is established for charitable purposes only – see below (1) and Is subject to the control of the High Court’s charity law jurisdiction see further (2) below. Purpose = what it is set up to…

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Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) – Conservatism

Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) – Conservatism

Sir Robert Peel was statesman who can be credited for introducing much social reform into the old established Toryism of the older ruling establishment, more later. Politics in England had been severely shaken by the actions of the violence of the French Revolution. Liberal reactions to political patronage came about in 1832, with the “Representation of the People Act”, now more commonly known as the ‘Great Reform Act’. This immediately disenfranchised 56 boroughs in England and Wales and reduced another…

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Feudalism

Feudalism

Leading to Borough Freedom This social system, based upon the principles of ‘kinship’ began in early English tribal culture. But what is feudalism? It is a system of rule whereby the nobility held land from the Crown in exchange for military service. The vassal nobles were tenants of the king, and their retinue bondsmen and peasants were retained by the noble to work the land and to assist in the military protection of the lord and his lands. I have…

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Manorial Freedom in Suffolk

Manorial Freedom in Suffolk

Framlingham Castle rebuilt by Hugh Bigod 1160s From here Queen Mary was released from detention with assistance from the Burgesses of Sudbury. For which they received Royal chartered Incorporation with full Borough Freedom. Suffolk is an ancient rural county that retains many features relating to its East Anglian historic traditions. From early times there was widespread freedom among the peasantry of East Anglia that did not occur elsewhere in the country. We are mostly familiar with the establishment of ‘Borough…

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Of Winchester and Chichester

Of Winchester and Chichester

King Alfred the Great (r.871-899) There is much in common between these ancient cities and the city of Gloucester. Established by the Romans they subsequently formed important capitals for the mobile court of the kingdom of Wessex. They were primary inclusions in King Alfred the Great’s ‘burghal defences’ against Viking invasions. NB Alfred later made London a part of his kingdoms of Wessex. It later fell into the hands of the Danes. Each of these major towns were modified to…

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Freedom and Democracy

Freedom and Democracy

All borough freemen should be well aware of the circumstances leading and resulting in the national Reforms of the 19th century. Struggles of the working classes included the freemen and have determined their position in society today. It would be correct to say that ‘freemen’ are rightly proud of their family legacy and the connections with their hometown or city. However, it may also require better understanding of the atmosphere relating to ‘privilege’ in the latter part of the 19th…

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Tribute to a Campaigning Countryman

Tribute to a Campaigning Countryman

Tony J. Drake MBE 1923-2012 The intrepid Tony, a friend to many, was a lifelong hiker and devoted rambler. His love of freedom was deeply engrained. He was out canoeing on the Mediterranean at 16 when he was advised of the outbreak of the War. At 18 he volunteered to join the Royal Airforce and became a radar technician. Tony was always at his element in the open countryside or climbing mountains. He would also walk the urban footpaths and…

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FEW AGM 2023

FEW AGM 2023

Report and Message from the Vice President to F.E.W. AGM, Lincoln, 2023 There is little for me to report on recent activities of the Executive which has been very quiet. FEW has had several setbacks following the Covid epidemic and is suffering a slow recovery of our activities. To this end a Working Group is busy looking at policies and practices to advance the prospective future of the Association. You may be aware that I am in poor health and…

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