Global InformationFreedom of the City of London information
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The Freedom of the City of London started around 1237 as the status of a 'free man' or 'citizen', protected by the charter of the City of London and not under the jurisdiction of a feudal lord.[1] In the Middle Ages, this developed into a freedom or right to trade, becoming closely linked to the medieval guilds, the livery companies. In 1835 eligibility for the freedom of the City was extended to anyone who lived in, worked in or had a strong connection to the City. The freedom that citizens enjoy has long associations with privileges in the governance of the City.[1]
Whilst no longer carrying many substantive rights and largely existing as a tradition, the freedom is a pre-requisite for standing for election to the Common Council[2] and Court of Aldermen[3] of the City of London. The Lord Mayor of the City must first become an alderman, and hence must also be a freeman.
There are multiple routes to gaining the freedom of the City of London.[4]
The original three routes to the freedom, via the livery companies, still exist. An individual can become a freeman of a livery company by servitude (apprenticeship), patrimony (either parent being a member of that livery company), or redemption (general admission, the criteria varying by livery company). Once a freeman of a livery company, an application can be made to the Chamberlain's Court for admission as a freeman of the City, which requires approval from Common Council.[4] It is necessary to become a freeman of the City to advance to the livery company status of 'liveryman', or to hold an office in a livery company. Liverymen have electoral rights in the City of London in voting for certain offices.
It is also possible to become a freeman of the City by nomination by two common councillors, aldermen or liverymen.
Similarly, due to freedom being a pre-requisite for standing for elected office in the City, it is possible for a prospective candidate to obtain freedom by nomination by any two electors.[1]
There is a long-standing tradition of the City admitting women to the freedom. Although they are now usually called freemen as well, historically the term was free sisters.[citation needed]
Freemen are admitted by the Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court during a ceremony at Guildhall.
- ^ a b c "Freedom of the City". City of London. 4 May 2023.
- ^ "Qualification for Common Council" (PDF). City of London. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 March 2022.
- ^ "Alderman Qualification Guidance" (PDF). City of London. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 March 2022.
- ^ a b Jagger, Paul D. (2 December 2021). "The Honorary Freedom of the City of London – An exploration of The Lives of the Great and the Good". City and Livery.
Every Freeman of the City of London may feel 'honoured' when they are admitted in that ancient ceremony in Guildhall, but the Corporation makes it clear in a leaflet handed to Freemen that while they may feel honoured, only the Honorary Freedom is of the form of an honour.