To apply for admission to the Freedom of the Borough of Colchester the easiest method is to fill in an application form and send it, with the relevant evidence to the Democratic Services department of Colchester  Borough Council.

Democratic Services
Colchester Borough Council
Rowan House
Sheepen Road
Colchester CO3 3WG
Tel: (01206) 282206

http://www.colchester.gov.uk

Documentation

The current information for those who are eligible is below. There is a application form for women and an application form for men that can be downloaded.

Documents
 Freeburgess application form for women - PDF document [26kb]

 Freeburgess applicatiom form for men - PDF document [26kb]        

Eligibility

There are two possible ways to become a Freeburgess of Colchester - by birthright or by servitude.  Colchester Borough Council holds a Freeburgess Ceremony annually in the Town Hall where new members are admitted to the freedom.  The ceremony is presided over by the Mayor and most new members gain their freedom by birthright with only an occasional claimant by servitude.

Birthright

All children of a freeburgess (formally known as freemen) are eligible once they reach the age of 21.  A claim may be made through either a father or grandfather whether living or deceased.  In fact, if you were born before your father became a freeburgess then you must apply through your grandfather and you must have been born after they became  freeburgesses.  Claims can be made through the female line and do not have to be made through the male line only.

Servitude

To become a freeburgess by servitude a candidate needs to be accepted as an apprentice to a master craftsman for seven years.  The master craftsman is also required to be a freeburgess of Colchester. 

If you are accepted for admission you will receive an invitation to the freeburgess ceremony presided over by the Mayor, and held in the Town Hall annually.  Having been identified by an elder blood relation, according to the ancient custom, you will stand with the other candidates and recite the ancient oath of obedience or an affirmation.