Freedom of the City Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Freedom of the City is an award made by towns and cities, to esteemed members of its community; such people may then be termed Freemen or Freewomen of the City. The Free status dates back to medieval times when city and town charters drew a distinction between free men, and vassals of a feudal Lord. Early Freedom of the City ceremonies had great importance in affirming that the awardee enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land, and protection within the town.In contemporary society, the award of Freedom of a City tends to be entirely ceremonial, given by the local government in many Towns and Cities on those who have served the in some exceptional capacity, or upon any whom the City wishes to bestow an honour.
In England, the award is thought to have originated with the Freedom of the City of London, first made in 1237.
There are still Freemen of the City of London. New Freemen receive a scroll that lists the various privileges they are entitled to. One is the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge. However, there are also a couple of practical privileges. Freemen's children get preference in finding places for their children at the City of London School, the City of London School for Girls, and the City of London Freemen's School. Also, apocryphally, if officers of the City of London Police find a freeman drunk and incapable, they will bundle him into a taxi and send him home rather than throw him in a cell and later charge him!
Today the Freedom of the City is still taken up by some 1,800 people every year. Prior to 1996, the Freedom was only open to British or Commonwealth Citizens over 21 years of age and of good character. Now however, it has been extended globally, and persons of any nationality may apply either by nomination or by being presented by a Livery Company. There is a long standing tradition of admitting women, who used to be called 'free sisters'.
Although the Freedom is not an honour or award except in the case of Honorary Freedom, many people who have lived or worked in the City are proud to become part of the City's history by becoming Freemen. The Freedom is open to all who are genuinely interested and meet the criteria set down.
A key to the city is a similar award used in several countries to honor esteemed visitors, local residents, and organizations. This honor involves the presentation of an ornamental key but carries no formal weight.