Until 1835 only freemen could vote in the Norwich local elections. This created problems as rate payers did not have the right to vote.

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.

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