Heirs to a lengthy tradition

The custom traces its origin to the Freemen or Burgesses who were early local governors.

Becoming a Freeman was regarded as a path to success but it could also be nearly a full time job in the days they were vital to the workings of local government.

Freedom could pass from father to son or through a period of apprenticeship to a tradesman.

These routes remain open to aspiring candidates even now, but local customs vary.

In 1835 a huge shake-up in the way Britain was run meant elected councils were responsible for local government but Guilds of Freeman survived, often as charitable bodies.

In 1966 it was decided an organisation was needed to support to member Guilds and individual Freemen.

The Freemen of England and Wales represents guilds or similar bodies, and individual Freemen throughout England and Wales.

Its mission is to promote the history and legal custom of the boroughs of England and Wales, and the institution of the Freedom.

In more recent times, local town halls hit on the idea of giving VIPs freedom of the borough to mark their achievements but officials have underlined this has nothing to do with the tradition of inherited freedom.

Celebrity Freemen include Sir Jimmy Savile and Sir Alan Ayckbourn of Scarborough, and Bob Geldof – Newcastle upon Tyne.