Member-only story
Freeman of The City
Who are Freeman and what is required to become one?
People can become members of the Freedom via various routes: by servitude, by patrimony, by nomination, or by presentation (via a Livery Company).
The award service is conducted in the Guildhall.
Modern Freedom
Today most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared. It nevertheless remains as a unique part of London’s history to which many people who have lived or worked in the City have been proud to be admitted.
Prior to 1996, the Freedom was only open to British or Commonwealth Citizens. Now, however, it has been extended globally and persons of any nationality may be admitted either through nomination or by being presented by a Livery Company. There is a long standing tradition of admitting women.
The City of London is keen to maintain the Freedom as a living tradition. The Freedom is open to all who are genuinely interested and invited or born to it. The City Freemen are a very broad cross-section of the population.
The Freedom in the City today is still closely associated with membership of the Livery Companies.
Find out all the details on the Corporate of London website, via the link below.
