Gild members, originally called 'Brethren of the Gild', later became known as 'Freemen'. They were usually residents of Leicester, but non-residents could join on paying a fee and undertaking the obligations of membership.
New members took an oath of fealty to the Gild, paid a contribution, and were duly enrolled. The oath has altered since the first recorded form in the reign of Richard II, which was used, with slight variations, until at least the late 16th Century. The charges referred to in the oath are references to local taxes, trading tolls and contributions to the cost of maintaining the market franchise (lot and scot).
In the 12th Century, membership could be obtained in one of three ways:
- The youngest son of an existing member who was a burgess could inherit membership through his father.
- Natives of Leicester unable to inherit membership of the Gild could purchase entrance for three shillings.
- 'Foreigners' - people from outside the city - could pay 20 shillings for the privilege of membership.
Following the charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1589, admission to the freedom of Leicester could be gained in one of four ways:
- All the sons of a Freeman could inherit the right, providing that the father had sworn his oath of freedom before their birth.
- The freedom could be obtained through a seven year apprenticeship to a master who was a Freeman.
- 'Foreigners' could purchase their freedom if their business activities in the borough made it necessary, but usually without the right of inheritance for sons.
- Influential people were often invited to become freemen for either commercial or political reasons for the duration of their life.
From 1832 onwards the qualifications necessary to become an Hereditary Freeman were changed.
Click here to view the qualifications required.
