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Every Tailor was obliged to serve an apprenticeship of 7 years 
and show himself perfect in the mysteries of the craft before he 
could become a Freeman. This investigation was made at Bristol 
by a Committee or Board of 4 workmen. In Bath it is said 
‘having done all his duty.” 
Under certain conditions a journeyman might become a 
Freeman, for instance 
‘March the 13th, 1670.” 
“Then it was concluded on by the voyse of society of Merchant 
Taylors that Richard Smith upon the payment of 10s. at 
Michaelmas Meeting next shall be allowed a Freeman of the 
Company or fellowship, in meane tyme to follow and make use 
of the Trade of a Taylor, and no longer till he have payde his 
money as aforesaid.” 
Smith had been for some years a journeyman. 
But although a man might have been adjudged perfect in the 
art he could not open a shop under penalty of 6s, 8d. until he 
had taken the oath. 
“J, W. Wise, shall and will from henceforth use the office duty 
and service of one of the Company and Fellowship of Merchant 
Taylors of this City, and shall and will obey the Masters of the 
_ said Company for the time being in all their lawful commands 
-and stand to abide and perform all the laws and ordinances that 
now is or shall hereafter be made for the good government and 
profit of the said Company or Fellowship and also shall and will 
do and perform all other things for the utility and profit of the 
Company so help me, &c.” 
On 17th March, 1734, it was minuted that John Cains at this 
meeting was decryed to be made free of this company only upon 
the account of his refusing to comply with the rules and orders 
_ of this Corporation. 
Whether he subsequently obtained his freedom is unknown as 
the minutes extend no further than the year 1735. 
_ No Freeman was allowed to open his shop window or do any 
T 
