Gild of Freemen

From 1835 onwards the close ties linking the city's Freemen began to break down. The Gild was reformed in 1976 to bring the Freemen together for social occasions. This enabled the wives and daughters of Freemen to become Associate Members of the Gild.

During the past years we have organised outings to visit the London Eye, the Forest of Dean Railway and a visit to the Freemen of Chester and York. We also hold Cheese and Wine evenings with guest speakers. Other events which we have arranged include a beer and skittles night with the traditional pub supper being served and cheese and with with films of old Leicester.

The Gild during the year also supports the Lord Mayor at the many civic ceremonies which the Lord Mayor attends for instance the civic church service. The opening of the Crown Court Service when the Letters Patton are read in the presence of the Judge. The St George's Day Service also the Remembrance Day Service at the war memorial, the Lord Mayor's Carol Service and many more civic events when the Lord Mayor request the presence of the Gild.

The Gild has also helped to raise the profile of the Freemen so that, despite the change in their role since 1835, they enjoy a friendly and trusting relationship with the local authority.

An annual swearing in ceremony has taken place annually since 1978 at which a number of new freemen take their Oath of allegience collectively in the prescence of the current Lord Mayor and the Town Clerk.

You as Freemen and the families from which you descended are therefore a living link with Leicester past.

The Gild was reformed in 1976