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What does it mean to get the Freedom and become a Freeman of the City of London? This BBC article sums it up well, but in essence the Freedom of the City of London is one of the country's oldest surviving traditions, dating back to the 13th century. Originally, it meant someone was not a feudal serf and, in London, granted the right to trade, own property, and prosper within the original city walls of London, known as the 'Square Mile'. Over time, its meaning evolved, and today it is seen as a symbolic honour. Recipients of the Freedom include royalty, celebrities, business leaders, Londoners and others with awards given either through nomination (general admission), patrimony (familial link), servitude (apprenticeship) or via membership in one of the City’s livery companies. There are a limited number of honorary recipients who receive their freedom for exceptional services. Honorary recipients include Florence Nightingale, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill and Dame Vera Lynn. The ceremony, held at the Guildhall, is rooted in medieval ritual: recipients read a declaration, sign the Freeman’s Book, and receive both a Freedom document and the Rules for the Conduct of Life. Famous traditions connected with the honour include the annual sheep drive across a Thames bridge, recalling medieval toll exemptions for freemen, and the myth that a freeman found drunk would be escorted home rather than arrested. While largely symbolic today, the Freedom carries historical weight and a sense of connection to London’s civic life. As historian Dame Mary Beard and recipient Robert Elms noted, the honour is prized not for privileges, but for its link to the City’s rich heritage and its living traditions. |  Master Helen Field, receiving her Freedom of the City of London |
Applying for the Freedom of the City of London
The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America can support members through the process (see below) or the member may pursue their freedom on their own.
Should members wish to manage this process by themselves, further information can be found on the City of London website
It should be noted that only the City of London Corporation may admit individuals as Freemen at their discretion. Please be cautious of any individual or organisation that approaches you stating they can support or secure your freedom for a fee or any other benefit.
Applying for the Freedom of the City of London via The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London
The Company will gladly support affiliate members in good standing with their application. Please be aware that the application requires the personal recommendation of two (2) active Liverymen in good standing. The Company will support the member in organising a meeting with the Liverymen, however recommendation must remain at their discretion.
Process
- Please contact our Clerk who will provide you with an overview of the process.
- Complete the Nominee Form and return this to the Clerk.
- Attend the virtual meeting with the Freedom Committee.
- If successful, complete the application form to be automatically sent to the City of London Corporation for progression.
- The Clerk will work with the Freedom Committee to secure two (2) nominators.
- The City of London Corporation will reach out to you directly, copying the Clerk confirming receipt
- The City of London Corporation raises the application at the next Court of Common Council meeting
- If approved, you will be required to pay the Freedom fee to the City of London Corporation directly. This is currently around 185 GBP
- Once payment has been received, you will be asked to choose a ceremony date from those offered. These can be in person in London, UK or virtual.
| The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America |