Let the day Begin

Hello

My names Andrew Downes (Andy) I was born (1974) and bred in Colchester Essex UK. I now live away from Colchester but still have a thirst to understand my families history, and a little it more of Colchesters surrounding them at the time.

I like my father and my fathers father and his father are all Freemen or Freeburgess of The Borough of Colchester, but although I wear the title I really am not sure why!

It has been a conversation that I have had with my father many of times but never persued.

I have a little more time now so lets see what I can learn.

I have heard the title can be earned or brought, so where does mine come from and why?

Whats a Freeman title all about?

What was it for and why would I want one?

Obviously its not anything important but it must have been once. Otherwise whats the point?