Apprenticeship & Freedom Records

The first volume of apprenticeship records began in 1578 and the first volume of freedom records in 1692.  There are twelve volumes of the former and eight of the latter.  Prior to these dates apprenticeships and freedoms were recorded in the minutes with the minimal of information.  Initially the apprentices were required to be able to read and write and the early entries were written by the apprentices themselves.  As time progresses into the 17th century the entries begin to look exactly alike and it is likely that a clerk was writing them.  They are still signed by the apprentice.

Content

The information contained in the apprenticeship records is of immense use to researchers because the summary follows a tried and tested formula whereby the following is recorded: the apprentice’s name; the name of the father (or mother or guardian); the place of abode and trade; whether alive or deceased; the name of the master, his place of abode, and trade to be taught; the term of indentures (how many years); the date of the beginning of the term; and any premium or payment made to the master.  For genealogical researchers this information may take their particular family back another generation.  In later volumes, from the 1760s when streets in London were numbered, fuller addresses are included.

In the freedom records there is only a bald statement of the person receiving his freedom on a particular day, with the name, address and the profession of the individual.  Revenue stamps indicate that there was a stamp duty on city freedoms at this time.  Later on there are fuller details of addresses and, when freedom is obtained by patrimony, the names and livery companies of witnesses.

How can I find information in these records?

The Company’s first librarian, Miss Lavinia Bell, compiled an invaluable index (‘the black book’) of all those apprenticeship and freedom records which is one of the most highly prized (and consulted) reference sources in the Library.  It is available for all library visitors.  There are also several volumes of indices to these books compiled in the 18th and 19th centuries.