Hi I'm a bit scatty on this. I've been chasing names rather than getting it clear in my head. I'll get a clearer explanation when I look at the film again on Tuesday, but essentially I think a City such as Canterbury, Bristol, York or Norwich obtained a charter from the King giving it the right to incorporate and manage its own internal affairs. Those admitted as Freeman of that city paid an annual tax enabling them to rights and responsibilities re conducting business within the said city and also I believe gained rights to have some say in what regulations are made and administered. Early on I think they tended to be tradesmen, artisans etc and there is probably some tie up to the guilds . However as you can see from the earlier posting, it does not automatically include everyone who might be found on a list of apprentices there or elsewhere. Also bear in mind, there seem to have been apprenticeships for just about any occupation you might care to name. Apprenticeship records also often give the father's name. Freeman were required to take an oath to the King and to uphold the rules and regulations/laws of the city. I think you can see an echo of the system today when someone is given the keys to the city (ie symbolically the freedom of the city) as a mark of respect or for some outstanding sporting or other feat. Anyway, if anyone else has a clearer idea of this subject, I'd be happy to hear from them. Sue