A Modern Life Meets Ancient Privilege
Caleb Tutt, a 24-year-old living in London, leads a typical Gen Z urban life, complete with student debt and a busy routine. However, he possesses a unique distinction: the inherited right to graze livestock on common land in Llantrisant, a town in South Wales. This honor, dating back 680 years, allows freemen to utilize land owned by the community, specifically Cymdda Bach and Brynteg in this instance.
Caleb first learned of this freemanship from his father, who explained it was passed down through his grandmother's mining family. Despite initial visions of a grand coronation, the concept faded from his memory until his father rekindled the discussion during the Covid-19 pandemic. Caleb described rediscovering this eccentric birthright as a pleasant surprise, offering a unique connection to his heritage.
Tracing Welsh Ancestry
Despite growing up in the home counties of England, Caleb's lineage qualifies him as a freeman of Llantrisant through his grandmother, Gwen. His family roots trace back to coal miners from Senghenydd and housewives from Pontypridd. He expressed a profound appreciation for this connection to his Welsh ancestors upon visiting the hilltop town and signing the same historic ledger they once did.
"It isn't a lordship with swanky estates or privileges. It is literally the right to graze on a patch of grass in south Wales."
Caleb noted the charm of the freemanship lies in its simplicity and historical significance, rather than any material benefits or grandiosity.
The Ceremony and Its Quirks
Caleb, along with his triplet siblings, Silas and Imogen, and approximately 20 other individuals, participated in the freemanship ceremony in May. He admitted his childhood expectations of a Princess Diaries-esque event were far from the reality. The ceremony, held in the Llantrisant Guildhall, began with the ceremonial Mace of Llantrisant being brought in, which Caleb likened to a parliamentary setting.
New freemen declare their relation to an existing freeman, sign an 18th-century ledger (the original from 1346 was lost in a fire), and receive a handshake and a ceremonial necktie or scarf. Caleb learned that the Llantrisant Mace is older than most of the Crown Jewels and survived attempts by Oliver Cromwell to melt down royal artifacts. He recounted a humorous anecdote about the mace going missing in the 19th century, stolen by cash-strapped Londoners, and joked about the committee's watchful eye on him, a new freeman from London, during his turn to hold it.
The ceremony was followed by a dinner at Llantrisant Rugby Club, where a "loving cup" filled with port was passed around. While Caleb embraced the tradition, taking three gulps to compensate for his siblings' refusal due to germ concerns, he appreciated sharing the unique experience with them.
A Sense of Shared Identity
Caleb views this "strange side quest" as a meaningful way to connect with a shared history and community. Despite having little in common with other freemen on paper, he found a strong camaraderie. He believes the freemanship offers a positive and inclusive form of identity, distinct from more divisive notions of ethnicity or group belonging.
With an estimated 1,200 freemen worldwide, Caleb highlights the sentimental value of the title, which prompts people to travel great distances to claim their birthright. He hopes to pass this tradition on to his future children, recognizing it as a way to keep unique historical customs alive and connect with his family's humble roots.
What is a Freeman?
The rights of freemen in Llantrisant were formally established in the earliest known charter granted in 1346, though their privileges date back approximately 1,000 years. Historically, freemen held significant responsibilities, including self-governance, holding their own courts, and managing community events and land. While these broader powers no longer exist, freemen still collectively own the 246 acres of Llantrisant Common, retain special grazing rights, and play an important role in the local community.
Source: BBC News