From the early 15th century, the freemen governed Norwich in relative harmony for 250 years – in marked contrast to other large rival towns in England such as Bristol, York and Newcastle.

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

The key privileges of the Freemen, the right to vote in elections and trading rights, were swept away by the Reform Acts of 1832 and 1835. The Norwich Freemen still kept Town Close Estate – which is now a charity that gives grants to local organisations.

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