From the early 15th century, the freemen governed Norwich in relative harmony for 250 years – in marked contrast to other large rival towns in England such as Bristol, York and Newcastle.

Under the freemen’s governance, Norwich grew to become England’s second city after London for 200 years – 1525 to 1725.

In 1289 Hugh de London was fined 12d ‘because he buys and sells in the city and is not of the freedom’

The freemen paid to build the city walls in the early 14th century. The idea was to defend the city from attack, but it was much more useful for collecting tolls.