Women flock to become Freemenas ancient law finally changes

NEARLY 150 men and women will be sworn in as Freemen of Beverley following a change in the law.

The office of Freeman has always been important because they elect the custodians of Beverley’s three areas of common land: Westwood, Swinemoor and Figham.

But numbers had been on the wane because the title could only be passsed down through the male line and there were fears the tradition would die out.

This spring will see 147 people, the vast majority women, taking part in eight ceremonies in Beverley’s Guildhall.

Among them will be Dr Susan Neave and her sisters Janet, from Sheffield, Sally, from Hornsea, and Helen, from Tickton, near Beverley, whose ancestor William Needham was granted the freedom in 1802. It passed down through the male line to Dr Neave’s late father James in 1950.

Dr Neave said: “He was very keen on having the freedom passed to women having had four daughters.”

The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 came into effect in January, allowing daughters to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. It was swiftly followed by a second Act, promoted by Beverley Pasture Masters, to extend the boundaries beyond Beverley to Molescroft and Woodmansey.