Here's how you can apply for one of Lancaster’s most historic honours
and live on Freeview channel 276
This year Lancaster City Council will continue the long-standing custom of admitting new Freemen of the city.
Traditionally the honour of becoming a Freeman carried a number of privileges including the right to ‘pasture a limited number of beasts’ on the Marsh, to enter the city free from the payment of tolls and also to bring goods through toll gates for sale at Lancaster Market.
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Hide AdNowadays the role carries few rights, but remains popular amongst those who are proud of their heritage.
Both men and women are eligible to apply to become a Freeman if they meet one of the following criteria:
• To be the son or daughter of a Freeman or Freewoman.
• To have served an apprenticeship to a Freeman or Freewoman of the City for a period of seven years.
• To have been born within the old city boundaries.
• To have lived within the old city boundaries for a period of seven consecutive years.
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Hide AdIn each case, the applicant has to be at least 16 years of age.
New Freemen will be entered at a special court of admission on Saturday, July 15 starting at 10am.
Applicants are also required to attend the court in person and must bring with them a person who is willing to stand and vouch for their identity – for example a spouse, sibling or friend – and swear an oath of allegiance to the King, and to the Mayor and the city.
Application forms are available from the Mayor’s Office by emailing [email protected].
The deadline for applications is Friday June 30.