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

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.

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