Stuart Stone
Mackximus Minimus: I looked at the definitions for "freeman" in some of the most "trusted" dictionaries. From what I can tell, "freeman" is a TITLE, and it could only be GRANTED. You cannot call yourself "freeman" on your own, SOMEONE has to grant that TITLE.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I am reading...
Correct...In some of the UK statutes I read through regarding council tax/liabilities of the inhabitants becoming the liabilities of the council, there are references to Freemen.
The title is obtained (paraphrasing here), by declaring yourself a freeman & then registering same with the local mayor (kinda defeats the purpose)...the title can then be passed down through the family.
The change in status has been repealed from the legislation & I couldn't be arsed to go digging for it.