Freemen of the City of York 1272-1759

Buy it for... Five centuries of freemen from York and their careers

Publisher: S&N British Data Archive
w. www.genealogysupplies.com
t. 01722 716121
Price: £17.45

Freemen were esteemed members of the community, honoured for their work by being given freedom of the town or city in which they lived. This CD records nearly 500 years of such individuals who were awarded privileges and protection within York.

Taken from six registers. which began during the reign of Edward II in 1272, the main body is split between two volumes, covering 1272 to 1558 and 1559 to 1759.

Though the information for each entry amounts to only name and occupation (some also include fathers' names), there's still plenty to be gleaned drom the lists, particularly the early ones, which cover periods before trade directories were widespread. You might find an ancestor who helped control trade, city strays and the rights of pasture in the area.

Given the periods involved, you may be unsure as to what some of the old job titles mean, and a dictionary of old occupations will shed some valuable light here.

Though it may only be a curiosity for many, this CD has the potential to open doors for those researching earlier York ancestors and finding out about their livelihoods.