CovSoc founder member, Paul Maddocks, tells us about the 80 year history of the Coventry Freeman’s Guild and its search for a new home. Paul writes……
This image shows one of the very early Oaths of a Freeman. Certificates such as this were proudly framed and displayed in a prominent place in the owner’s home, ensuring that every visitor would see it. They often became a talking point, with the proud Freeman declaring, “I can graze my sheep on the common.”
While this may sound unusual today, the honour meant a great deal. People were proud to have completed an apprenticeship in Coventry and to receive their certificate from the Lord Mayor at the Council House. The elaborate oath shown here, still vivid in colour, is dated 1 January 1946 — exactly 80 years ago, when the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild was established, drawing inspiration from the historic Trinity Guild.
The Importance of Becoming a Freeman
In earlier times, becoming a Freeman was highly significant. It allowed individuals to practise their trade or profession without paying certain taxes or tolls. Typically, an apprenticeship lasted seven years. Families would pay for their children to become apprentices, who then worked without wages while learning their craft until they received their completed Indenture — the formal contract between apprentice and master.
Early guilds represented a wide range of trades, including stonemasons, mercers, weavers, drapers, dyers, spearmen, tailors, bakers, cobblers, butchers, wrights, blacksmiths, and gold and silversmiths. Training was hands-on and practical — very much learning on the job.
Apprenticeships Then and Now
In recent years, the Government has again encouraged apprenticeships as an alternative to university — echoing the situation in 1946. Just after the Second World War, skilled workers were urgently needed to rebuild both the city and its manufacturing base.
Apprentices could attend college while working full-time for a company. They were given some time off for study but were often expected to attend evening classes as well. The reward was substantial: on completion, apprentices could secure well-paid employment either with their existing company or elsewhere. An apprenticeship certificate from Coventry was highly respected worldwide.
Employers knew that anyone trained in Coventry — particularly with companies such as Rolls-Royce Aeronautics, Jaguar, Alfred Herbert, or Dunlop — would meet exceptionally high standards. Achieving Freeman status was therefore a proud moment, and many would join the Freemen’s Guild and burst with pride at the honour.
Some of the early Lord Mayor meetings with new Freemen in the City Council house main chamber
How do I Become a Freeman?
There are Freemen and Freewomen in many towns and cities across England and Wales. However, Coventry’s tradition is unique. The only way to become a Freeman of Coventry is to complete an apprenticeship that has been registered with the Lord Mayor’s Office and to train for a total of five years in the same occupation.
How Do I Become a Member of the Freemen’s Guild?
On becoming a Freeman, you automatically receive free Guild membership for an initial period of up to 15 months. After that, a small annual membership fee is required to remain a member.
The Guild Today
The Coventry Freemen’s Guild formerly had its own room in St Mary’s Guildhall, accessed from Bayley Lane, which allowed meetings to take place independently of the main building. However, during recent restoration works the Guild had to vacate the room, and it can no longer return because the space now forms part of the building’s fire escape route.
Today, hiring a room at the Guildhall can cost around £500 per meeting, largely because staff are required to open and manage the full complex. The Guild has explored various rooms in the old Council House, but so far no suitable permanent home has been found. As a result, the Guild is currently living something of a nomadic existence.
If you know of a suitable city-centre location where the Coventry Freemen’s Guild could once again put down roots, the Guild would be pleased to hear from you. With the community’s support, it would be wonderful to see this proud tradition continue for another 80 years.
