Freemen of the City of Coventry

Dreamtime, you asked if the Freeman's Oath is still printed? I can confirm that it is. After all this time I was made a Freeman of the City yesterday (Thur 21st Mar). Never had the guts to do it before as I was too shy could not care less now, age teaches you to speak out. At my age I am trying to cross the i's and dot the t's and before the moderators change that, it's an age thing. There were 23 people taking the oath, 4 of them ladies. I thought I might have been the eldest there, think on. The lack of young people there, I think reflects not many apprenticeships and maybe no interest in history. Proud to be part of it. PS. Just off to the cattle market.

Congratulations! PS Love the "cross the i's . ."

Thanks all, and yes you are right Tricia, too far out. Hey ho, at least I have done it, albeit 44yrs on.

Well done scrutiny, I would shake you by the hand.

I just thought I will add this pic. The council sent it to me today of all the Freemen on that day (21st March). Many thanks to the Lord Mayor's Office. Oh, by the way, that is me on the far right by the pillar.

Hi scrutiny, Hi all Bril, bril & bril! I know the gent fourth behind you, scrutiny.

That is fantastic scrutiny, congratulations. I feel constantly guilty for never having had the courage to take mine, too. I still have a form ready to fill in, but I think the hardest part for me will be buying some smart clothes that I'll probably never wear again!

You could always ask John if you could borrow his! BTW, well done John!

I don't mean to be rude but were there any young people there?

You mean, apart from our John

I received mine in 1958, the Mayor looks like Winslow?? Apprentice at Jaguar Cars.

Sorry to join this conversation late. Can I ask a few questions? Does anybody know when this originated? Has it always appeared in this format. Are there any really ancient ones in the museum etc. When we were children (wartime and just after) my grandfather used to put a pile of coins (2/- pieces I seem to remember) and dole it out to his grandchildren, as and when they called - he used to say this was "Seniority Money". I`m assuming that this was Freeman`s money, I seem to remember he said for foregoing his right to graze sheep on common land. He worked at one time, as did his brothers, as watchmakers in the top shops in Chapelfields and I guess he may have served his apprenticeship in that trade. Anybody know if there would be a register of apprenticeships and where kept? Pleased to hear it still goes on.