During Queen Elizabeth I reign, Norwich Freemen devised one of the earliest schemes of poor relief in the country. It later served as a model for national schemes.

In 1289 Hugh de London was fined 12d ‘because he buys and sells in the city and is not of the freedom’

It’s an old tradition that freemen had the right to be hanged with a silk noose!

Ed Balls’ ancestors were Norwich Freemen between 1404 and 1913, but the succession has lapsed and he is no longer eligible.