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

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.

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

Anybody who wished to trade freely in medieval Norwich had to become a freeman.