Freemen and Privileged tradesmen of Oxford
Freemen (Hanasters)
Oxford freemen were known as Hanasters. Before the Municipal Reform Act of 1835, being a freeman of Oxford was very significant, as only a freeman could enter into business as a master or journeyman within the boundaries of the City (unless he was a privileged tradesman matriculated by the University). Only freemen had the vote in council elections.
There were three ways of becoming a freeman and entering their guild:
- By purchasing their freedom. The official price set down in 1551 was at least £5, but in fact people were admitted for less. People who purchased their freedom were supposed to be recommended by the craft that they wished to join, but this was not always observed
- By being the son of a freeman. The eldest son was admitted free of charge, and all other sons could claim to be admitted for a fee of 9s 6d. A son born before his father became a freeman had no claim, however.
- By serving a seven-year apprenticeship. About half the freemen entered by this method
Even after the 1835 Act, anyone who wanted to set up a business in Oxford who was not a freeman had to pay a fine. In 1845 Benjamin Harris Blackwell (along with five other shopkeepers) set up his business at 46 St Clement’s Street (outside the city boundary) in protest against this fine, even though the trade in books would have been better west of Magdalen Bridge. (It was his son Benjamin Henry who moved into Broad Street in 1879.)
Most citizens were sworn free after serving a seven-year apprenticeship from the age of 14; and some were made free by an act of Council. Various payments were required on being admitted free.
See also: