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

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.

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