Under the freemen’s governance, Norwich grew to become England’s second city after London for 200 years – 1525 to 1725.

The freemen paid to build the city walls in the early 14th century. The idea was to defend the city from attack, but it was much more useful for collecting tolls.

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

The annual freemen’s outing is a popular event which now attracts hundreds, including freemen from overseas. Visits are often to properties which have received substantial grants from the freemen’s charity.