A Shropshire tradition lasting 1,000 years – and one of the last bastions of the old all-male establishment – has moved into the 21st century with women sworn in as Freemen of Shrewsbury for the very first time.

Seven women made their claims to become a Burgess of the town at the Installation of Freemen ceremony, which took place yesterday at the Guildhall, in Shrewsbury. It was also the first time it had been carried out by Shrewsbury Town Council.

A total of 10 people were sworn into the previously all male guild.

The Mayor, Councillor Kath Owen, welcomed the descendants of Shrewsbury’s Burgesses and said it was a “special day”.

Councillor Owen, whose husband and son are Freemen, said: “Congratulations to everyone here today, especially to the Lady Freemen on this special day. It is an honour to welcome you all.”

One of the first women to be bestowed the title was Susan Butler, 63, of Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, whose grandfather was sworn a Freeman in 1924.

She said: “I am a sixth generation Freeman, the title has been in my family for more than 200 years, so it is a great honour to be here today. I thought the title had died with my father so it is great that now the tradition can carry on through me and my sons.”

Lionel Morris, chairman of the Guild of Freemen of Shrewsbury, said: “This is the first time women have been granted the title since the Act of Parliament in 2009 so this is certainly a part of history.”

Helen Ball, clerk to the town council said: “It was fantastic to be a part of history with the swearing-in of the first Lady Freemen of the town of Shrewsbury.

“The Town Council is highly honoured to have been involved in such a special occasion. Congratulations to all ten of our new Freemen and women.”

Those receiving Freemen status included Jamie Barton, Kenneth Barton, Kerry Barton, Susan Butler, Sheila Cowton, Marjorie Day, Rosemary Shotton, Vivienne Vernon, Andrew Williams and Steven Charles Williams.