Freemen of the City of Coventry

This is a picture of my great grandfather's Oath that he was awarded in 1911, for a carpentry apprenticeship I think.

My mother Lily Brealey worked at Webster and Bennetts in the office and she helped me get a five year apprenticeship as a machine tool setter operator with them. After completing my apprenticeship from 1968 to 1973 I was made a Freeman of the city. I had the black and white version and I paid for the colour one. Robert Brealey

Never got one after completing my apprenticeship at Edgwick Shan't lose too much sleep though as it's a long way to drove sheep from Chapel St. Leonards to Hearsall Common

Hi Kimbo. Don't think they would allow sheep on the ring road now. Ho He Ha. My husband collected his Oath of a Freeman in 1961 for engineering draughtsman. It was signed by mayor William Callow. I had it framed otherwise it would have been just rolled up and put in a drawer, however, the silver fish have had a meal over the years but it is still in reasonably good condition. We have often wondered if they are still issued. I know Edgwick as I did my secretarial course there.

My coloured Freeman's certificate dated 1965 sits proudly in a nice frame at the bottom of the stairs. It still looks as good as the day it arrived.

I'd just have to go via Coundon Wedge then Last time I looked at Edgwick works, they were selling furniture there. Just what HAS become of British manufacturing?

Here's a picture of my Oath Of A Freeman This is what is printed: City of Coventry Oath Of A Freeman I, Robert Brealey of Longford Ward Machine Tool Setter Operator, Do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. And that I will be obedient unto the Lord Mayor and Magistrates of this City. The Lands, Liberties, Franchises, and Lawful Customs thereof, I will maintain, and the same in all that I can or may Lawfully defend and keep harmless. I will be tributary to all Contributions, Taxes, Tollages, Summons, Watch, Scot and Lot, and all other Charges to be laid within this City, bearing my part as any other Freeman shall or ought. I will maintain and defend the Queens Peace in that I may; and if I shall know of any Gatherings or Conspiracies moved or made against the Queens Peace, I will let the Lord Mayor or Justices of this City know the same. I will not withhold or impair, nor conceal the withholding or impairing, any Evidences or Charters belonging to this City, but will warn the Lord Mayor or Justices of this City of the same. All which Points and Articles I do swear well and truly to keep, according to the Laws of God and this Realm and the Lawful Customs of this City. So help me God. Admitted and sworn in Court a Citizen and Freeman. This 1st day of October 1973. G.W. Sheridan Lord Mayor.

When I finished my apprenticeship after five years (1967-72) I, like many others was inducted as a Freeman of the City. It was a time when your mother went, your granny went and your girlfriend went to watch this historic event in St Mary's Hall. To this day, though I have degree and diploma certificates, the only one that I have on permanent display is my Freeman's Oath. I'm guessing that five-year apprenticeships no longer exist so has the age-old tradition ceased?

Freemen of the City of Coventry can get a small pension if they live within 7 miles of the city centre.

Hi Tricia Widows of Freemen can also get a small pension, as I do myself.

I remember going to collect my grandfather's Freeman's pension in the 1960's from (I think) St. Mary's Hall. I seem to remember it amounted to the princely sum of five shillings. It seems that I won't be able to collect my pension as I no longer live in Coventry.

I used to collect my grandfather's from County Hall in the 1960s

It must have been County Hall then. From what I can remember the transaction took place just inside the porch with the people paying out the money sitting at a trestle table.

Exactly as I remember it

The pension is now paid directly into your bank account.