>From: Westmilli@aol.com >To: patrick_neill_fh@hotmail.com >Subject: Wexford Freemen >Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 10:57:02 EDT > >I don't think I understand the Freemen List. Can you tell me what the >date >means, >and what certificates are being referred to? Thank you, Milli > Re: Index of Wexford Freeman at : http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~hibernia/ Hi Milli, I don't fully understand the meaning and rights of a Freeman, but I think it has something to do with completing a seven year apprenticeship in some sort of trade (Butcher, Baker, Trader etc.), or being the son of a Freeman. I think that the rights of a Freeman within a town or city meant he did not have to pay local taxes. In around 1830, the law changed and it seems to allow any Freeman to have Freeman rights in any town or city in Briton, but he had to produce proof that he was a Freeman. Hence the reason why Wexford Freeman certificates where in the possession of the Liverpool Corporation who deposited them at the Liverpool Record Office. The dates quoted in the index refer to when the man became a Freeman or the date found on a letter from his parish council. If anyone can give more information I would be grateful. Regards, Pat Neill in grey, wet, Liverpool. Searching for the birth place of Isaac NEILL (c.1830), somewhere in Co. Wexford, the son of James & Sarah. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com