Freedom of the City
Freedom of the City is an award made by some municipalities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and Italy to esteemed members of its community; such people may then be termed Freemen or Freewomen of the City. Key to the City is a similar award made in several other countries, and is more prevalent in the United States.
Freedom of the City
- See also: Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act 1885
The Free status dates back to medieval times 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' ie 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 a 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).
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 receive a guide to conducting their lives in an honourable fashion. 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. Apocryphally, a freeman has the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge, or to carry a naked sword in public; or if officers of 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 and later charge him. The benefit of immunity from prosecution for being drunk and disorderly has long since disappeared, if indeed it ever existed. However the droving rights were exercised on June 17, 2006 when a flock of about 30 sheep was driven across the Millennium Bridge to mark the start of London Architecture Week.[1]
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 or award 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.
Freedom of the City in other cities
In other British cities, towns and boroughs, the qualifications for 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.
In the Republic of Ireland 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.
Elsewhere in the world, Freedom of the City has a narrower definition: it is an award to local and foreign military units, giving them the right to march into the city "with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed". (To do so without the Freedom of the City would historically be regarded as an act of aggression.)
Key to the City
The key to the city is a similar award used in several countries, especially in the United States, to honor esteemed visitors, local residents, and organizations. This honor involves the ceremonial presentation of an ornamental key but carries no formal privileges or distinctions.
Notable awards of 'Key to the City' and 'Freedom of the City'
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The City of Toronto 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.
Bradford, England
J. B. Priestley was awarded the Freedom of Bradford.
In 2003 the city of Derby awarded the Freedom of the City to former Derby County and Nottingham Forest football manager Brian Clough.
In 2002 the city of Derby awarded the Freedom of the City to the entire Royal Navy Submarine Service.
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:
- April 30, 1970: Elizabeth Margaret Braddock, better known as Bessie Braddock, Liverpool-born British Labour politician.
- November 23, 1983: Bob Paisley, best known for being one of the most successful managers in English football history whilst managing his only team Liverpool Football Club in the 1970s and 1980s.
- March 7, 1984: George Harrison, Liverpool-born rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, author and sitarist best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles.
- March 7, 1984: John Lennon, Liverpool-born songwriter, singer, musician, graphic artist, author and political activist, one of the founders of The Beatles.
- March 7, 1984: Paul McCartney, Liverpool-born songwriter, singer, musician, graphic artist, author and political activist, one of the founders of The Beatles.
- March 7, 1984: Ringo Starr, real name Richard Starkey Jr, Liverpool-born musician, singer, songwriter and actor, best known as the drummer of The Beatles.
- July 6, 1994: Nelson Mandela, 11th President of South Africa.
London, England
- Awarded to Charles Lindbergh.
- 2005: Freedom of the City of London granted to Luciano Pavarotti. [2]
Manchester, England
- June 15, 1906: Sir. William John Crossley--Businessman/Philanthropist--was presented with a key on the 15th of June in honour of the Stamford Park County School. Mr. Crossley held the titles of Esq., M.P at the time. He was later awarded a baronet. He was a founder of Crossley Motors Ltd. and a Director of the Manchester Ship Canal.
Sir. Crossley's Key - 1907: James W. Southern--Alderman/Businessman-- was presented with the Freedom of the City in the form of a silver
casket and scroll. He was also a Director of the Manchester Ship Canal.
- October 31, 1977: Sir. Bernard Lovell--Astronomer--was presented with the Freedom of the City in the form of a simple salver.
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.
- On April 23, 2006 -Bishop, Hon. Dr. Carmen L. Stewart, OD, JP, Custos Rotorulum of St. Andrew, Jamaica.
Tokyo, Japan
Recipients of the Key to the Metropolis of Tokyo include:
- Helen Keller [3]
- Dr. Leon Picon, One of the founding members of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations and a former Secretary-General. [4]
- Paul E. Ruestow, U.S. Major General [5]
- 1959: Bill Effinger, former Mayor of Buena Park, California . [6]
- 1963: John Glenn, Tokyo Gov. Rotaro Azuma presents Glenn with key to the metropolis of Tokyo on May 30, 1963. [7]
- Francis Sumner Carruth, Lt. Col. in the Untied States AirForce. His management skills played an important role in heading off a Labor Strike in Tokyo. [8]
- Dr. Albert M. Schwartz who was a vascular surgeon and a Col. in the US Army.
Dr. Schwartz's Key
Franklin Springs, Georgia
- 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 after the original ones were destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan.
Milton, Georgia
- 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, GA in recognition of their work in the creation of the city. They were also presented a proclamation that officially declares December 1st as "Commissioning Day" in honor of their achievements.
New Orleans, Louisiana
- 2006: Kentucky-New Orleans Architecture Studio for their work on restoration and re-design efforts of Mickey Markey Park in Bywater on November 21, 2006. [9]
- 2007: The Harris County Hospital District received the key to the City of New Orleans on April 26, 2007 in recognition of its efforts to provide health care to Hurricane Katrina evacuees at its Astrodome Clinic in September, 2005. [10]
Albion, Michigan
Recipients include:
- 1964: Aunt Jemima visits Albion on January 25, 1964. She was there to raise money for the March of Dimes and came on many other occasions as well. [11]
- 1960s: Ann Landers was presented with a key upon her visit to Starr Commonwealth for Boys. [12]
Detroit, Michigan
Recipients include:
- 1980: Then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was awarded by Mayor Coleman Young for having donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to a local church. [13] [14]
- Jerome "The Bus" Bettis on January 31, 2006 was awarded by Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick to the Detroit native days before his Super Bowl win.
- On January 2, 2007 Steve Yzerman after his retirement and having his jersey retired.
- Geri Allen an internationally known award-winning composer and pianist. [15]
Flint, Michigan
- 1989: Lois M. Craig [16]
- 2007: LaKisha Jones on June 10, 2007 received a proclamation and key to the city from Mayor Don Williamson. [17]
New York City
The City of New York bestows the "Key to the City" upon individuals that it wishes to honour in such a manner. Recipients include:
- 1702: Viscount Cornbury on June 27th was presented the "Freedom of the City". [18]
- Charles Lindbergh: [19]
- The New York Giants players, coaches and owners received keys to the city in recognition of their victory at Super Bowl XLII. Presentation took place on February 5, 2008 at City Hall after a ticker-tape parade up the Canyon of Heroes in lower Manhattan.
References
External links
- Guess Who Got The Key To Detroit? from CBS News
- The website of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London
- City of London website
- Military Context of "Freedom of the City"
- Royal Engineers Museum Freedoms granted to the Royal Engineers
- Freemen of the City of Liverpool
Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Freedom of the City". Image Credit.
