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Freedom of the City

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For the role-playing game campaign setting, see Freedom City.

Freedom of the City is an honour bestowed by some municipalities in Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe to esteemed members of its community or to organisations that have given the community heroic service; the term applies to two separate honors, one civilian and one military. Key to the City is a similar award made in several other countries, and is more prevalent in the United States.

Forms of freedom of the city

As a military privilege

Freedom of the City is an ancient honour granted to martial organisations, allowing them the privilege to march into the city "with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed".

This honour dates back to the laws of ancient Rome that made it a capital offence for Roman legions to enter the city in formation or with weapons without permission. This was meant to ensure that ambitious generals did not mount a military coup against the Senate. Similar laws were passed by cities throughout the Medieval era, also to protect civic security and rights, even against their own king's troops.

However, legions, regiments, or other martial groups that had given heroic service or whose honour was beyond question, might be granted Freedom of the City: the group would not have to disarm or break ranks before the city gates were opened to them. Given the serious risk the city would be running, this was a rare honour.

Today, martial freedom of the city is an entirely ceremonial honour, but remains the oldest and one of the highest civic honours in the Commonwealth of Nations.[1]

As freedom from serfdom

See also: Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act 1885

A slightly more common freedom of the city is connected to the medieval concept of "free status", when city and town charters drew a distinction between freemen and vassals of a feudal Lord. As such, freemen actually pre-date 'boroughs'. Early freedom of the boroughs ceremonies had great importance in affirming that the recipient enjoyed privileges such as the right to trade and own property, and protection within the town. Before parliamentary reform in 1832, freedom of the city or town conferred the right to vote in the 'parliamentary boroughs' for the MPs. Until the Municipal Corporations Act 1835 the freemen were the exclusive electorate for the boroughs. These two Acts together curtailed the power of the freemen and extended the franchise to all 'householders' (i.e., local rate payers). The private property belonging to the freemen collectively was retained. York, Oxford and Newcastle-upon-Tyne still own considerable areas within their towns, although the income is effectively given to support charitable objects. The Local Government Act 1972 specifically preserved Freemen's rights.

In contemporary society, the award of honorary freedom of the city or borough tends to be entirely ceremonial, given by the local government in many towns and cities on those who have served in some exceptional capacity, or upon any whom the city wishes to bestow an honour (see Local Government Act, 1972). It requires a special meeting of the council which passes the resolution by a two thirds majority.

The key to the city award is used in many places, in a manner similar to freedom of the city (see below).

In practice

Borough Freedom of the City of London

In England, the most extensive borough freedom is that conferred by the Freedom of the City of London, first recorded in 1237. This is closely tied to the role and status of the Livery Companies. From 1835 the Freedom "without the intervention of a Livery Company" has been bestowed by a general resolution of Common Council, by 'redemption' (purchase), at one time an onerous sum but now a donation to the Freemen's School.

New Freemen are enrolled in a ceremony in Guildhall, when they receive a guide to conducting their lives in an honourable fashion and an impressive sealed certificate. Freemen's children get admission preference at the City of London School, the City of London School for Girls, and the City of London Freemen's School. There are a number of rights traditionally but apocryphally associated with Freemen—the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge; to a silken rope, if hanged; to carry a naked sword in public; or that if the City of London Police find a freeman drunk and incapable, they will bundle him into a taxi and send him home rather than throw him in a cell.

The belief that freemen have droving rights over the bridges appears to be a misinterpretation of freemen's historic freedom from bridge tolls when bringing animals into the City for sale.[2] Nevertheless, this "invented" right has been exercised periodically in modern times:

  • On June 17, 2006, a flock of about thirty sheep was driven across the Millennium Bridge to mark the start of London Architecture Week[3].
  • On August 31, 2008, Amanda Cottrell, a former High Sheriff of the City, marched six rams across London Bridge to promote fundraising for the restoration of Canterbury Cathedral and "a scheme backing local food production"[4]
  • On September 17, 2008, the Lord Mayor and some 500 Freemen drove a flock of Romney ewes in relay across the bridge to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's charities (Orbis and Wellbeing of Women).[5]

Today the Freedom of the City of London is still taken up by some 1,800 people every year. Prior to 1996, the Freedom was only open to British or Commonwealth Citizens over 21 years of age and of good character. Now, however, it has been extended globally, and persons of any nationality may apply either by nomination, by patrimony or by being presented by a Livery Company. There is a long-standing tradition of admitting women, who used to be called 'free sisters'.

Although the Freedom is not an honour except in the case of Honorary Freedom, many people who have lived or worked in the City are proud to become part of the City's history by becoming Freemen. The Freedom is open to all who are genuinely interested and meet the criteria set down.

Borough freedom of the city in other cities

In other British cities, towns and boroughs, the qualifications for borough freedom differ, yet fall into two categories, 'patrimony' (inheritance) and 'servitude' (apprenticeship). For example, in Chester and York, only the children or grandchildren (male or female) of freemen may apply for admission. In Great Grimsby, the widow of a freeman passes his rights to her second husband who retains the privilege after either divorce from or death of the widow. The borough freedom is strongest in York, Chester, Newcastle upon Tyne and Coventry, in the last named freedom is qualified by having served an apprenticeship. Durham and Northampton have extended their admission criteria to those who have served an apprenticeship without being 'bound' (trained by) by a Freeman directly. The Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act 1885 is a law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

In the Republic of Ireland borough freedom of the city is generally given to noted foreign and national dignitaries and the list rarely exceeds a few dozen. The cities of the Republic of Ireland generally give various privileges, for instance Dublin allows the right to vote in certain elections, bring goods for sale in the city without customs and the right to pasture sheep on common ground such as College Green and St. Stephen's Green.

Key to the City

The Key to the City is a similar award that is descended from Freedom of the City.[6] It is used in several countries, but is especially popular in the United States.

An ornamental key is presented to esteemed visitors, residents, or others the city wishes to honor. Evoking medieval walled cities whose gates were guarded during the day and locked at night, the key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of city residents.

Military freedom of the city

Australia

Sydney, New South Wales
  • Australian Navy: March 14, 2009[7]
Maitland, New South Wales
  • HMAS Maitland: 2006[8]

Canada

Soldiers from the Royal 22e Régiment exercising the Freedom of the City in front of Quebec City's City Hall, on July 3, 2006.
Airdrie, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta
Courtenay, British Columbia
Edmonton, Alberta
Hamilton, Ontario
Kelowna, British Columbia
Kingston, Ontario
Ottawa, Ontario
Quebec City, Quebec
Toronto, Ontario
Uxbridge, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vegreville, Alberta

United Kingdom

London, England
Derby, England
Stirling, Scotland
  • 43 (F) Sqn, Royal Air Force: 2005.
Newport
Plymouth

Notable non-military awards of 'freedom of the city' and 'key to the city'

Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • The city bestows the "Key to the City" upon individuals that it wishes to honour in such a manner, usually at the discretion of the Mayor. Recipients include:
    • 2000: Barenaked Ladies, a Canadian pop band.
    • October 23, 2000: J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series of books.
    • 2001: Blue Rodeo, a Canadian alt-country band.
    • November 18, 2001: Jackie Chan, an action movie star, was awarded the Key to the City in recognition of filming a movie there.

Republic of Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

See also Freedom of Dublin City

United Kingdom

Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen has a long history of bestowing the honour. See Freedom of the City of Aberdeen for details.

Bradford, England
Bury St Edmunds, England
  • Actor Ian McShane was given freedom of the borough in 1996 after he played the title role in the television series Lovejoy, filmed in and around Bury.
Derby, England
Ipswich, England
Kingston upon Hull, England
  • Recipients of Freedom of the City of Hull include:
    • 1999: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, when he was invited to give the annual Wilberforce Lecture in Kingston upon Hull, commemorating the life and achievements of the anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce. Tutu used the occasion to praise the people of the city for their traditional support of freedom and for standing with the people of South Africa in their fight against apartheid.
Liverpool, England
  • Recipients of Freedom of the City of Liverpool include:
London, England
Lindbergh's key
Manchester, England
  • June 15, 1906: Businessman and Liberal Member of Parliament Sir William John Crossley was presented with a key on the 15th of June in honour of the Stamford Park County School. He was made a baronet later the same year. He, with his brother Francis, founded the pioneering locomotive company Crossley and the (now defunct) car manufacturer Crossley Motors and was a Director of the Manchester Ship Canal.
    Sir William Crossley's Key
  • 1907: James W. Southern, another director of the Manchester Ship Canal, was presented with the Freedom of the City in the form of a silver casket and scroll.
  • October 31, 1977: Astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell was presented with the Freedom of the City in the form of a simple salver.
  • March 2, 2009: Sir Bobby Charlton was awarded the Freedom for promoting the city of Manchester.
Preston, England
Portsmouth, England
  • October 28, 2008: Former Portsmouth F.C. manager Harry Redknapp was made a freeman of the city for his achievements in leading Portsmouth to the FA Cup in 2007-8.[19] Ironically he had left Portsmouth FC for Tottenham Hotspur days earlier and he was boo'ed by fans at the presentation.
Sheffield, England

Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica
  • This award is given by the Kingston and St. Andrew Cooperation (KSAC) in collaboration with the Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew. It is given to outstanding individuals, who did or continue to make a mark in the city of Kingston. This person or group must meet certain criteria, and display outstanding ability and commitment to building the city and nation. This award is the highest award given by a city/parish.
    • April 23, 2006: Bishop, Hon. Dr. Carmen L. Stewart, OD, JP, Custos Rotorulum of St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Japan

Tokyo

United States

Danville, California, United States
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Miami, Florida, United States
  • 2004: The mayors of Miami-Dade County and the city officially welcomed Shaquille O'Neal and presented him with the keys to the city before a press conference was held in the American Airlines Arena.
Franklin Springs, Georgia, United States
  • 2007: Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue received the key to the city of Franklin Springs, Georgia, after visiting the city and cutting the ribbon to the city's new Public Safety and City Hall buildings; the original buildings were destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan.
Milton, Georgia, United States
  • 2007: The original Governor's Commission for the City of Milton (Ron Wallace, Brandon Beach, Gregory Mishkin, Dan Phalan and Cecil Pruitt) was awarded the key to the city of Milton in recognition of their work in the creation of the city. They were also presented a proclamation that officially declares December 1 as "Commissioning Day" in honor of their achievements.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
  • November 21, 2006: Kentucky-New Orleans Architecture Studio, for its work on restoration and re-design efforts of Mickey Markey Park in Bywater.[27]
  • April 26, 2007: The Harris County Hospital District, in recognition of its efforts to provide health care to Hurricane Katrina evacuees at its Astrodome Clinic in September 2005.[28]
Portland, Maine, United States
  • July 13, 2008: moe., a band from upstate New York, was presented the key to the city in recognition of a two day fundraising concert they organized for the Prebble Street Resource Center[10].
Albion, Michigan, United States
  • Recipients include:
    • January 25, 1964: Aunt Jemima, a frequent visitor, present at the time to raise money for the March of Dimes.[29]
    • 1960s: Ann Landers, upon her visit to Starr Commonwealth for Boys.[29]
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Flint, Michigan, United States
New York, New York, United States
  • The City of New York bestows the "Key to the City" upon individuals that it wishes to honour in such a manner. Recipients include:

References

  1. ^ a b The Burma Campaign UK: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to Receive Freedom of the City of Sheffield
  2. ^ CLRO note on City Freedom Archives.
  3. ^ "Sheep flock driven through city". London, England: BBC.
  4. ^ "Sheep marched over London Bridge". London, England.
  5. ^ "Sheep march over bridge for money". London, England: BBC.
  6. ^ Commission for the United Nations, Consular Corps and Protocol
  7. ^ Navy parades its wares in harbour rendezvous (SMH)
  8. ^ Maitland website
  9. ^ The Air Force and Freedom of the City in Calgary
  10. ^ City of Kelowna - Freedom of the City
  11. ^ RMC website
  12. ^ The Official site of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa
  13. ^ [1]
  14. ^ [2]
  15. ^ [3]Civic honour for Navies
  16. ^ [4] Civic honour for Navies
  17. ^ Pavarotti receives freedom of the City of London
  18. ^ Last Crown Prince of Austria receives the Freedom of the City of London
  19. ^ [5]
  20. ^ Helen Keller's Key to the City of Tokyo - American Foundation for the Blind
  21. ^ Biographies : MAJOR GENERAL PAUL E. RUESTOW
  22. ^ People to People Memories Bill Effinger
  23. ^ [6]
  24. ^ http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aNIQN7GRGJ2E&refer=home
  25. ^ [7]
  26. ^ Chicago – The Grand Duke and New Year's Day – The New York Times 4 ianuarie 1872 [8]
  27. ^ UK News PrintView: Architecture Studio Receives Key to City of New Orleans
  28. ^ HCHD Receives Key to the City of New Orleans
  29. ^ a b The Key To The City
  30. ^ Guess Who Got The Key To Detroit?, CBS News
  31. ^ Saddam Reportedly Given Key To Detroit - Detroit News Story - WDIV Detroit
  32. ^ Nina Mills Awards, Flint, MI, Lois M. Craig
  33. ^ http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/288861848596134.bsp
  34. ^ Charles Lindbergh@Everything2.com
  35. ^ http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/02/09/2009-02-09_hero_pilot_chesley_sully_sullenberger_an.html
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