Freeman Of The City Of London Award

So, you've heard of a Nobel Prize, right? Or maybe an Oscar? Well, London's got its own super-duper, ridiculously cool award. It's called the Freedom of the City of London. Sounds grand, doesn't it? And it totally is. But in a wonderfully weird, old-school kind of way.

Think of it like this: it’s not about being super rich or famous. Though some folks who get it are super rich and famous. It’s more about being a bit of a legend. A legend in the City of London, that is. The financial district. The bit with all the tall buildings and the tiny pubs tucked away.

This isn’t some newfangled certificate you get for finishing an online course. Oh no. This award is ancient. We’re talking centuries here. Like, way back when London was a lot smellier and probably had more pigeons trying to steal your pasty. It’s a tradition that’s just chugged along, like a trusty old London bus.

So, what does it actually mean to be a Freeman? Well, historically, it meant you had a pretty sweet deal. You could, like, trade in the City without paying extra fees. You were practically royalty in the world of commerce. And, get this, you were exempt from certain taxes. Imagine that! No Stamp Duty. Who wouldn't want that?

Plus, you had the right to keep your sheep on the City’s common land. Sheep! In the middle of London! Can you picture it? A flock of woolly friends munching grass next to the stock exchange? It’s a mental image that’s pure gold.

And here’s where it gets even more bizarrely fun. If you were a Freeman and, heavens forbid, you were caught with a flock of sheep causing trouble, you were supposedly judged by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen. Not some grumpy traffic warden. The Lord Mayor.

The process of becoming a Freeman is also a bit of a hoot. It’s called 'being admitted'. And it usually happens at a special ceremony. You’re not just handed a scroll. Oh no. You have to go through an official oath. And there are some quirky rules about what you can and can’t do.

For example, Freemen are expected to help defend the City. So, if there’s a ruckus, you’re on duty. Think of yourself as a civilian bodyguard for the Square Mile. Pretty important gig, right?

And the best bit? The really, truly hilarious bit? Freemen are said to have the right to pass to the City of London, over London Bridge, with a sword drawn. A sword! In broad daylight! Can you imagine the looks you’d get? People queuing for their morning coffee, and there you are, swashbuckling your way across the bridge.

It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to grab a mate and say, "Did you know you can still do this in London?" It’s not just about history lessons. It’s about these little pockets of the past that are still very much alive. And slightly bonkers.

So, who gets this fancy title? Well, it’s usually given to people who have made a significant contribution to the City of London. This could be through business, charity, or public service. Think of people who've really put their heart and soul into making the City thrive.

But it's not just for stuffy old bankers. Oh no. You've got actors, musicians, politicians, and even sports stars who have been made Freemen. It’s a surprisingly diverse bunch.

For instance, the iconic Nelson Mandela was made a Freeman of the City of London. How cool is that? The man who led a nation, celebrated for his fight against apartheid, also got to carry a sword across London Bridge (in theory, at least!).

Or what about Dame Judi Dench? One of our greatest actresses. She’s a Freeman. Imagine her, a majestic sword in hand, strolling past St Paul's. It’s pure theatre, isn’t it?

And let’s not forget the musical maestros. Sir Elton John? Yep, he's a Freeman too. I bet he’d have a rather sparkly sword, wouldn’t he? Definitely more sequins than steel.

It’s the fact that these modern-day heroes are linked to these ancient privileges that makes it so charming. It’s like a wink from the past. A reminder that London is a city built on layers and layers of history, and some of those layers are pretty darn amusing.

There's also something called the Company of Freemen of the City of London. These are the folks who are admitted. They get together, have dinners, and generally keep the spirit of being a Freeman alive. It's like an exclusive club, but with more robes and probably less complaining about the weather.

And speaking of ceremonies, the actual admission is quite a show. You’ll see people dressed up in all sorts of traditional garb. It’s a bit like stepping into a historical drama. You’ve got the quill pens, the parchment, and the solemn declarations. It’s all very serious, but in a way that’s incredibly endearing because you know the sheep are still theoretically allowed on the common land.

The City of London Corporation, which runs the show, is all about tradition. They’re the custodians of these ancient rights and ceremonies. And they do a cracking job of keeping them relevant, even in our fast-paced, digital world.

Think about it: in a world that's constantly changing, there are these little constants. And the Freedom of the City is one of them. It’s a nod to the past, a celebration of the present, and a quirky reminder that London is a city like no other.

So, the next time you’re in the City, look around. Imagine those sheep. Imagine the swords. Imagine the Freemen, going about their business, with a little extra swagger and a whole lot of history on their side. It’s pretty amazing, right?

It's not just an award; it's a piece of living history. A testament to the enduring traditions of one of the world's greatest cities. And honestly, the idea of being allowed to walk around with a drawn sword? Pure genius. Makes you want to sign up for something, just in case you get nominated.

It’s a fun thing to talk about, a fun thing to imagine, and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most wonderful things are also the most delightfully ridiculous. And in London, they've got plenty of those.