Alan Shelley

Alan Shelley BA (Hons) DLA FRSA               Dip IM (IWM) Eng.Tech. (CEI) MCIM FSTD Retired Industrial Manager (Linotype Co.) Qualified, apprenticed Engineer, Bell Punch Co. (Sumlock Comptometers) Born March 1940, Harrow, Middlesex.  Married, with two daughters and four grandchildren. Chartered Free Burgess and enrolled by patrimony, Freeman of Sudbury, Suffolk. (Corporate franchise 1554).       Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths and Guildsman of the City of London. FEW 1978 – (Admitted by letter from Harry Ward) Individual Member of ‘Freemen…

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The ‘Freemen of England and Wales’ is an association of Guilds (Gilds) or similar bodies, and of individual freemen from towns and cities throughout England and Wales. The objects of the Association are:- To advance by research and publication, knowledge of the history and legal custom of the boroughs of England and Wales and of the legal institution of the Freedom. To support and protect the legal institution of the freedom within each of those several places in England and…

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It is the duty of all Freemen to uphold their oath of admission. It is beholden on all Freemen to understand the basic principles and background of their freedom. It is the responsibility of every Freeman to understand their function and role. It is particularly necessary that all Gild/Guild Officers, Wardens or Representatives fully understand their position, purpose and responsibilities. What does this mean? What is a borough freeman, who were the free burgesses, what was the Guild Merchant? What…

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Seal of the Gloucester Guild Merchant c1200 The Royal Borough of Gloucester was created in the late ninth century. It followed the occupation of the City in 877 by a marauding Danish army. At that time the old Roman city walls and defences were in a poor and ruinous condition. These were ‘Vikings’ who settled for eight months and even built booths in the streets, before moving on. No battle or serious harm took place before they moved out but…

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Defeat of the Danelaw and the Establishment of England The Anglo-Mercian foundations of the ‘Borough System’   King Alfred the Great was the initiator of the fortified garrison burhs or boroughs. King of Wessex from 871 to c886 and of the Anglo-Saxons until 899. He was succeeded by his son Edward the Elder, who was king until his son Æthelstan became king over all of England. Alfred’s eldest child was his daughter Æthelflᴂd who became known as the ‘Lady of…

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Early Lordship over Gloucestershire By AS for Mr Lee Hensley, President of the Chartered Freemen & Women of Gloucester   There is an interesting historical connection dating from 980, and the founding of Cranborne Priory, in Dorset. The chronicle of Tewkesbury states its patron was Æthelward Mᴂw (Seagull) otherwise known as Haylward ‘Snew’ (for his fair complexion). Haylward was a hugely powerful lord over much of the western counties. His son Ælfgar (or Algar) was earl of Devon. Algar’s son…

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The lovely countryside of Gloucestershire is best discovered on foot and by exploring its variety of historic byways. There are many green lanes, hollow ways and halter paths (bridle ways). Ancient footpaths can lead you into an interesting historical past. You could find yourself strolling through verdant meadows or crossing rushing streams before winding up in an isolated Cotswold stone hamlet. On the way you may pass the relics of a Neolithic stone barrow (burial mound), an ancient church or…

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Introduction by Alan G. Fallows, President (2010 ~ 2013) Over the past 5 years or so I have been involved in attempting to identify the problems affecting freemen throughout England and Wales by the requirements of the 2002 Land Registration Act. These deliberations have been complex to say the least and have, by necessity, involved not only the registration of land and the over-riding interests of freemen but also the questions of commons and commons registrations. In both these matters…

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