A 24-year-old journalist who can barely afford his rent in south London has inherited a historic Welsh title dating back to the medieval period. Caleb Tutt, a resident of Lambeth, received a message from his father urging him to follow in the family's footsteps after turning 24.
A Family Connection to Llantrisant
Caleb's grandmother, Gwen, originates from Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and is descended from miners and farmers. This ancestry made him eligible to take up the 680-year tradition of becoming a freeman of Llantrisant. The title traces back to 1346, when the longbowmen of Llantrisant played a pivotal role in the Battle of Crécy between France and England. As Caleb recounts, these archers delighted in firing arrows into French soldiers, and their contribution was so significant that King Edward III granted the town a royal charter, making the longbowmen freemen of Llantrisant.
The Privileges of the Title
The title comes with the hereditary right to graze sheep, cattle, or horses on Llantrisant Common. Caleb notes the irony: he lives on a housing estate in Lambeth and can hardly afford beef mince, yet this ancient privilege now lies at his feet. The ceremony took place in May at the ruins of a castle, with about 20 other prospective freemen. Caleb signed the ledger, shook hands, and received a necktie. Afterwards, the group celebrated at Llantrisant Rugby Club with a dinner attended by many of his relatives.
More Than a Title
Reflecting on the experience, Caleb wrote in The Times that the event offered no money or pomp, but provided something more precious: a connection to a side of his family that had always felt distant. It served as a timely reminder that not everything worth inheriting has a price tag. In 2015, Llantrisant signed a declaration of friendship with Crécy-en-Ponthieu in northern France, the site of the historic battle. The twinning was arranged by Llantrisant Community Council, Llantrisant Male Choir, and Llantrisant Town Trust, symbolising a shift from conflict to harmony.
