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.

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

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

New freemen have to swear an oath to be ‘buxom’ to the mayor. This is a medieval way of declaring obedience and loyalty to the mayor.