FREEMEN of SHREWSBURY

The Roll of Burgesses of Shrewsbury, contained in three volumes, forms a continuous series from Henry Viii to the present day, with numerous entries as far back as Henry Vi and a few even earlier. Admission as a Burgess could only be obtained by: birth in the town; descent from a Burgess; apprenticeship to a Burgess; or purchase. The Rights and Privileges of a Burgess were: to trade in the town; free education for his sons at the Royal Free Grammar Schools founded 1551; pasturage in the Quarry and on Kingsland: and to vote at elections. All such privileges have however now ceased and Burgess-ship has merely a sentimental value.

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