A Calendar Of The Freemen Of Norwich 1317-1603

Unlock the Doors to Medieval & Tudor Norwich: Discover Your Ancestors Among the Freemen, 1317-1603

Are your roots deeply embedded in the historic city of Norwich? Have you hit the inevitable brick wall in your research, with parish records seeming to vanish into the mists of time? Now, you can step back through centuries of history and connect with the ancestors who lived, worked, and shaped the city with this essential genealogical resource: A Calendar of the Freemen of Norwich, 1317-1603.

To be a Freeman of Norwich was to be granted the key to the city. It was a prestigious title that conferred the right to trade, own property, and practice a craft within the city walls. These men were the lifeblood of Norwich—the weavers, merchants, blacksmiths, and artisans whose stories form the rich tapestry of the city's past. This meticulously compiled calendar provides a direct line to their names, their trades, and their time.

Why This Calendar is an Indispensable Tool for Your Research:

Break Through Pre-Parish Record Barriers: This volume spans nearly 300 years, reaching back into the 14th century—long before many parish records were standardized. It's your best chance for finding ancestors in the medieval period.
Pinpoint Your Ancestor's Trade and Social Standing: Discover your ancestor’s "calling." Were they a Dyer, a Barber-Surgeon, a Cordwainer (shoemaker), or a Vintner? Their occupation reveals a world of detail about their daily life and social status.
Uncover Powerful Family Connections: The records often note the name of the person by whom a freeman was admitted. This sponsor was frequently a father, uncle, master, or father-in-law, providing a crucial clue to linking generations and extending your family tree.
Establish a Concrete Timeline: Each entry provides the exact date of admission to the freedom of the city, giving you a vital, fixed point in time for your ancestor's life.
What You Will Find Inside:

For each freeman, this calendar provides a clear, easy-to-read entry containing:

The Full Name of the Freeman
The Precise Date of Admission
Their Occupation or Calling
The Name of their Sponsor or Master (in most cases)
This is more than just a list of names; it is a gateway to the lives, trades, and society of a bygone era. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist, a local historian, or simply fascinated by the story of Norwich, this calendar is an authoritative and invaluable key to unlocking the past.