The Freemen of City York can trace their recorded rights as far back as the first list of Freemen dated 1272, while references exist going back to Anglo-Saxon times.

Freemen had an important role in the control of trade, city strays and the rights of pasture within the city. Freemen were also involved in the running of the city until the Municipal Corporation Act 1835 that introduced town councils.

Today Freemen have no privileges in the city, however once sworn in as a Freeman the applicant may join the Gild of Freemen who continue to take an interest in the affairs of the city.

Who may apply

It is normal to claim Freemanship through hereditary right and you can claim back as far as your great grandparent on your maternal or paternal side. For claims of Freemanship through servitude, please contact the elections office directly.

The rules for claiming Freemanship are as follows:

• Applicants must be 21 years of age or above
• The person you are claiming through must be a Freeman

To claim the right you must complete the appropriate form including your full name, address, occupation and date of birth. You must also provide information on the relative who the claim is through, including their full name, address at time of admittance, occupation at time of admittance and the date of when they were admitted as a Freeman.

How to apply

Complete and return the application form to the address on this page. Claims can only be processed if they include the original birth certificate showing parentage and marriage certificate, if appropriate. Photocopies will not be accepted. Applications will be acknowledged in writing and original certificates returned by recorded post.

If you are unsure of any of the details that are required you may inspect the Roll of Freemen at the City Archives.

Annual Freedom Court

All accepted applicants are invited to attend the Annual Freedom Court which is held in the Guildhall and usually takes place every October.  The next Annual Freedom Court taking place in York is Monday 4 February 2013.  An adminstration fee of £25 is payable before the Court.  The last day for receipt of applications for inclusion in the February 2013 Court is 31 August 2012.  Applications recieved after this date will be carried over to the next annual Court of Admittance.

Each applicant is required to bring a witness to attest his or her identity, usually an older relative takes this role and applicants may also bring one guest, as numbers are strictly limited.

Each applicant takes an Oath or Affirmation in front of the Lord Mayor of York. The Gild of Freemen also attend and take part in the ceremony.

Once you are admitted as a Freeman, you may join the Gild of Freemen. Contact us for further information.