Originally the benefits were:-
1. The right to trade within the Borough.
2. The right to vote at Municipal and Parliamentary Elections - only Freemen could vote.
3. The right to pasture sheep, horses, cattle etc., on the common pasture.
4. The freedom from payment of tolls within and outside the Borough.
5. The right of "free" education for their children at the Corporation Grammar Schools, one of which, for boys, was in existence in 1329. The schools were closed in 1949.