Who Are We
WESTWOOD
FIGHAM
SWINEMOOR
Who are the Freemen of Beverley?
Before 2010, you could only become a freeman of Beverley if you were a son of a freeman. You also needed to be born in Beverley and at least 21 years old. The father of the son had to have been a freeman when the son was born.
There was also the possibility of becoming a freeman via an apprenticeship route.
Since 2010, daughters of freemen were allowed to become freemen. They do not have to be born in Beverley. Also sons now do not have to abide to the previous struct rules, they can be born out of Beverley.
What We Do
Grazing Animals
During April to December, we graze cattle, sheep and horses on the pastures
Memorial Requests
We work with the public to place memorial benches and trees on the pastures.
Partnership Working
We work with a number of organisations to ensure usability for all.
How do I become a Freeman of Beverley?
Once you turn 21 years old and one of your parents has been a freeman, you are entitled to apply to be a freeman.
To apply you need to provide a copy of your birth certificate, showing the name of the parent who is a freeman, along with a letter outlining your intention to become a freeman. For more details contact the Civic Office, East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Once your application is accepted you will be invited by the Council to a ceremony to swear you in as a freeman.
Your details will then be added to the Beverley Freemen’s List which is maintained by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Civic Office.
What is a Pasture Freeman?
A Pasture Freeman is a freeman who lives in the parish of Beverley , Woodmansey and Molescroft. If they move out of these areas their name is taken off the Pasture Freeman’s list.
Pasture Freemen can put stock on the three pastures managed by the Pasture Masters of Westwood, Figham and Swinemoor.
Pasture Freemen who do not put stock on the pastures are known as Non-Stockers.
The Civic Office at East Riding of Yorkshire Council maintains a list of Pasture Freemen.
When a pasture freeman dies, their widow is placed on the successors roll, which means they receive the annual payment but can not vote in the Pasture Master Election.
Who are the Pasture Masters?
The Pasture Masters are elected every 1st of March by the Pasture Freemen. Pasture Masters must also be a Pasture Freeman.
There are twelve in total, who form a committee to manage the Pastures in Beverley.
They are all volunteers who dedicate their time to maintaining and managing the Pastures.
They are supported by a clerk and two neatherds.
They work using the bye-laws which outline what is permitted and not permitted on the pastures. Please click here to view all the bye-laws.