The Pembroke Gild of Freemen

 

 

For those who are not familiar with the Gild of Freemen, it is an ancient society that dates back to medieval times. Freemen are the descendants of the merchants, traders and bankers of medieval England and Wales. At one time it was only the Freemen who were allowed to trade within towns’ walls.

 

The hereditary title goes from father to son and is passed down through the ages.  Freemen were the only citizens who were allowed to take mayoral office, become an alderman, or a sheriff.

The Freemen of England and Wales have entitlements and ancient rights.  For example, a Freeman of Pembroke could drive his flock of sheep down the Main Street of Pembroke, or graze his swine, or geese in Narberth woods if he so desired. They were also entitled to ride free of charge on any ferryboat. However, the best of all privileges to my mind was that a gentleman Freeman was allowed to relieve himself behind a coach, provided he screamed as he did so to show that he was desperate, and it was therefore an emergency. Not all -good news though for Freemen. It was the duty of the Freeman to take up pikes and cudgels if the town was besieged, and to clear the byways of snow.

 

Lady Freemen technically do not exist. as it is only through the male line that the title is bestowed.  However, in the late 70s, Pembroke Borough Council was under the impression that ladies could be admitted to the gild.  Thirteen ladies at various times throughout the 70s and early 80s were sworn in and promised to abide by the oath of allegiance.  The news of enrolling female freemen reached the Freemen of England of Wales who demanded that Pembroke cease this practice!  Too late!  Having signed the oath we ladies are entitled to be called Freemen, and nothing can take this away from us.

 

Most of the ladies now live away or in far- flung places, subsequently I am the only woman who attends the meetings. The chairman is known as the Master, and the secretary, is the Clerk to the Court.  I am the Press Officer. We open the Court (as it is called) with the words ‘lady and gentlemen!’

 

Gild is the old term for guild, or society.

By Melanie Phillips, Lady Freeman of Pembroke.

Short biographical piece here and possible recording?