Address

Bayley Lane
Coventry
Coventry
CV1 5RN

Contact

The City of Coventry Freemen's Guild was re-formed in 1946, with the assistance of the City of London Freemen's Guild. However, the original guild was created in the 14th century, but was disbanded by Henry VIII for the religious connections it then held.

The Guild has civic, moral, charitable and social responsibilities and is non-political, non-sectarian and religiously impartial.

In Coventry the only way one can become a Freeman is by servitude that is by completing an indentured apprenticeship within the City of Coventry. This is unique in the country, since other cities introduce their candidates by redemption (by payment) or by patrimony (hereditary father to son or in some cases father to daughter).

Since 1956 the City Council have allowed the Freemen's Guild to occupy a chamber at the north end of the medieval undercroft beneath St. Mary's Guildhall for their meetings. This atmospheric room, with some interesting stone carvings, dates from the 15th century when a row of shops on the site was demolished to make way for an extension to the Guildhall's Great Hall and undercroft.

The room is not normally open to the public, except by special arrangement, although it is generally opened for Heritage Open Days, on the second weekend of September each year.

Directions

By Road

Located within the Cathedral Quarter opposite the Cathedral ruins.

By Public Transport

Nearest station: Coventry mainline is 2 miles