The Freedom of the City of London

The Freedom of the City of London is an ancient rite that confirms the status of citizen or free man in the City. This means that anyone who has it is not under the jurisdiction of a feudal Lord. This was quite a big deal in the Middle Ages, as this meant that someone holding this had the right to trade, own things (which can be inherited after death) & most importantly, make money. These rites became linked to the City’s Livery Companies, but since 1835, it was extended to anyone who lived, worked or had a strong connection to the City. Being a Freeman means that they can stand for election to the Court of Common Council & the Court of Alderman. From there, that person could also become a sheriff & Lord Mayor.  

Today, the ceremony takes places in the Guildhall. It involves reading out the ‘Declaration of a Freeman’ before signing the Freeman’s Declaration Book. The recipient is then presented with their own handwritten copy of the Freedom, which is a legal document underwritten by Magna Carta. They also receive a copy of ‘The Rules for the Conduct of Life’ before being offered the right hand of friendship. After all this, the newly accepted Freeman is greeted by the Clerk of the Court as a Citizen of London.  

Being a Freeman does have certain privileges, including being able to drive sheep over London Bridge without being taxed. Wool was a valuable commodity in the Middle Ages & being able to bring sheep into the City without being taxed on it would have increased profits. Another privilege is the fact that as a Freeman is that they cannot be press-ganged into military service. This would have been handy in the 1600 & 1700s when military recruiters would get unsuspecting victims blind drunk & pressed into the Navy. Freemen also exempt from trial by combat. Very handy that one.  

If the Freeman were to have any children, they would be allowed to attend certain schools such as the City of London Freeman’s School, & they could request Freedom for themselves at the age of eighteen. An application by the Freeman can be made to one of the City’s Alms houses if they were to fall on hard times.  

Some other privileges associated with Freedom can be said to be apocryphal at best.  These include carrying a sword, taking a flock of geese along Cheapside, being hanged with a silk rope or being able to avoid arrest for having too many alcoholic drinks. It is also believed in some quarters that the City Police will put you in taxi if you are too inebriated to make your own way home. Unfortunately, this is not true, which is shame. That could have been very useful for some people.   

The driving of the sheep does occur on one day a year. In 2026, it will be on 27^th September on Southwark Bridge. Not only is it a good day out, it also raising funds for The Worshipful Company of Woolmen charity and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. 

Closest stations: London Bridge and Monument for Circle, District, Northern, and Jubilee Lines

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