One of the oldest surviving
traditional ceremonies still in existence today is the granting of
the Freedom of the City of London. It is believed that the first
Freedom was presented in 1237.
The medieval term 'freeman' meant someone who was not the property
of a feudal lord, but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn
money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter
of their town or city were often free - hence the term 'freedom of
the City'.
The freedom of the City is closely associated with membership
of the City livery companies, successors to the ancient guilds. For
an insight into the fascinating history and modern role of the
Livery,
visit the Livery pages.