Exeter Freemen

In Exeter, as in other cities, the origin of "freemen" is lost in obscurity.

Coat of Arms

An 11th century Anglo-Saxon gild existed in Exeter but appears to have been social and religious in purpose, and to have been unconnected with the economic life of the city.

From the 1160's onwards there are references to a Guildhall, almost certainly standing on its present site in the High Street, and there is evidence of an associated merchant gild confirmed by two deeds which refer to the stewards of the gild.  In the reign of Henry I, the wording of the earliest charter to the city implies a grant of commercial privileges which could be purchased by a group of townsmen.

The Lord Widgery - Previous Honorary Freemen - Image

The first recorded admission to the freedom was Richard de Paris on 8th September 1266, and as evidenced by the Mayor's court rolls in the 13th century, freemen had privileges of franchise and could be the sole retailers of candles, ale, spices, land, salt, wool, silk and linen.

From 1286 an almost continuous record of admissions has survived and by 1300 annual enrolments averaged 15, indicating a total membership of several hundred. Between 1266 and 2003 over 12,000 names of Freemen of Exeter have been recorded.

Freeman of Exeter Scroll - Image

Entry by succession or apprenticeship was normally only possible if the fathers or masters were themselves freemen. In Exeter, unlike other towns, it was possible to enter by succession to an uncle, brother or other relative as well as to a father.

In the case of admissions by purchase the sum varied widely especially in the 14th century, from five pound to less that one pound.  Each entrant made his own agreement with the Mayor as to the amount.

A great deal of jealousy, patronage and corruption surrounded the admission of freemen, so in 1345 the controlling council of the city agreed no freeman was to be admitted without the consent of the majority of the newly appointed council of twelve.

After 1660 the numbers entering by payment declined and the majority of admissions were by succession.

Trade Gilds

There were few admissions by apprenticeship before the 15th century. Thereafter numerous craft gilds were established and recognised by the city.

The early gild ordinances approved by the city and which appeared on the Mayor's court rolls, usually contained the clause that no man was to keep a shop or set up a particular craft unless he was a freeman, on pain of a fine, half of which was payable to the city and half to the appropriate gild.

Unfortunately the records of only two gilds survive - the Company of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen and the Tailors' Company.

The ancient guild of The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen established in 1452, survives today and The Master and Wardens join the Lord Mayor and civic party in all ceremonial processions. They are based at Tuckers Hall on Fore Street, which is open to the public at specified times (Tel: 412348).

Freedom by succession is still granted today to any person who can prove descent from a deceased freeman. Proof of descent is required by the production of the usual certificates of death of father, marriage and birth. This privilege was previously only available to the eldest son of a freeman, but in 1997 Exeter City Council passed a resolution to accept applications to take over the title from the eldest daughters of freemen, where there is no male heir.

A Lord Mayor's Court is established where the applicant is interviewed , shows their certificates and takes an oath. Witnesses also give evidence. The new Freeman's name is entered on the Freeman's Roll kept by The Devon Record Office under the care of the County Archivist.

The only remaining privilege of the freemen of Exeter is the right to participate in the Nicholas Spicer Charity. They must be inhabitants of the city and county of Devon and can apply for a set amount of money if they are considered to be poor. The assets of this charity are now in Government securities and The Charities Official Investment Fund.

The Lord Mayor invites Exeter Freemen to a Christmas lunch each year but otherwise Exeter Freemen have no special privileges. There is no Freeman's organisation in Exeter.

It is believed there are seven hereditary Exeter Freemen alive today.

Under the terms of Section 249 of The Local Government Act of 1972, cities are empowered to admit Honorary Freemen:

"The Council of a London borough or a district having the status of city, borough or royal borough, may by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at the meeting of the council specially convened for the purpose with notice of the object admit to be honorary freemen of the city, borough or royal borough, person of distinction and person who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the city......."

There is only one Honorary Freeman of Exeter - Sir John Hannam, member of Parliament for Exeter for 27 years. Previous Honorary Freemen have included Lord Nelson; The Rt.Hon. The Lord Widgery and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

References

• "Exeter Freemen 1266 - 1967" Edited by Margery M. Rowe Devon and Cornwall Record Society (1973)

• "Tuckers Hall, Exeter"   by Joyce Youings (1968)

• "Exeter 1540 - 1640 - The Growth of an English County Town"   W.C. Mac Caffrey (1968)

• Exeter City Archives at The Devon Record Office, Great Moor House, Sowton, Exeter.