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Freedom of the City of London

"One of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today, is believed to have been first presented in 1237"

	15 May 2023
	Written by Huw Richards
	OB News

Steff Raw-Rees and other OB's

Earlier this month Steff E Raw-Rees (ORC, 03-08) received the Freedom of the City of London. Also in attendance were Dad J E Charles Raw-Rees (ORC, 72-77), uncle T Owain Raw-Rees (SHR 72-77) and David E Phillips (ORC, 72-77)

The Freedom of the City of London is undertaken by the Clerk to the Chamberlain's Court at Guildhall. 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.

The City of London is keen to maintain the Freedom as a living tradition. The Freedom is open to all who are genuinely interested or invited to it. It is now open to overseas nationals as well as UK citizens. The City Freemen comprises of a very broad cross-section of the population.