Women win right to share tradition

The number of Freemen in the town – from whom the Pasture Masters are elected – has dwindled in recent years and there were fears the tradition would die out.

But this week the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 came into effect, allowing daughters of Freemen, and not just sons, to follow in their fathers' footsteps.

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: "People outside the town have very little idea how important the Pasture Masters for their role in maintaining the pastures and thus the context and beauty of Beverley."

He said the "long and torturous" campaign had been worth it."

A second Bill, promoted by Beverley Pasture Masters, to extend the boundaries beyond Beverley is expected to become law soon.

Chairman of the Pasture Masters for nearly 40 years, Chris Thompson, said it had been a "long hard slog" but he was delighted. The changes will allow his four daughters to become freemen.