Freedom of the City 348775 225465275 2008-07-13T20:58:24Z BigDunc 3587100 /* Notable awards of 'Freedom of the City' and 'Key to the City' */ add {{split-apart}} {{For|the role-playing game campaign setting|Freedom City}} '''Freedom of the City''' is an honour bestowed by some municipalities in [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[Ireland]], [[Italy]], [[New Zealand]], [[South Africa]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]] to esteemed members of its community or to organisations that have given the community heroic service; the term applies to two separate honours, 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 [[drum]]s beating, [[colours, standards and guidons|colours]] flying, and [[bayonet]]s 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]].<ref>[http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/pm/more.php?id=200_0_1_0_M]</ref> ===As Freedom from Serfdom=== {{seealso|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 [[Serfdom#Freemen|freemen]] and [[Serfdom|vassals]] of a [[Feudalism|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 [[Great Reform Act|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 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 [[Freedom of the City#Key to the City|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 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 (London)|Millennium Bridge]] to mark the start of London Architecture Week.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/5085214.stm]</ref> 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. === 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 in Ireland#Republic of Ireland|cities of the Republic of Ireland]] generally give various privileges, for instance [[Dublin]] allows the right to vote in certain [[election]]s, 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.<ref>[http://www.nyc.gov/html/unccp/html/protocol/key.shtml]</ref> 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. == Notable awards of 'Freedom of the City' and 'Key to the City' == === Maitland, New South Wales, Australia === * [[September 30]] [[2006]]: the [[Royal Australian Navy]] ship HMAS Maitland was granted martial Freedom of the City in recognition of the vessel being named after that community.<ref>[http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/CouncilInformation/HMAS]</ref> === Toronto, Ontario, Canada === The [[City of Toronto]] has sometimes bestowed martial Freedom of the City on [[Canadian Forces]] regiments located in or near the city. * May 1966: [[7th Toronto Regiment, RCA|7th Toronto Regiment]], for being the only unit of the [[Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery]] to name its host city in its official name<ref>[http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/32cbg_hq/7torBack_e.htm] </ref> The city also 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. === [[Kingston, Ontario]] Canada === The City of Kingston bestowed martial [[Freedom of the City]] to the [[Royal Military College of Canada|RMC]] in 1976, on the occasion of its [[centenary]]. This privilege for a specific military unit to march through the city “with bayonets fixed, colours flying and drums beating” was granted “until such time as the Cataraqui runs dry.” <ref>[http://www.rmcclub.ca/everitaswp/?p=1210#more-1210</ref> === Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada === * [[March 31]] [[2008]]: UNICEF Team Canada was awarded martial Freedom of the City for victory at the [[tent pegging]] world championships and for humanitarian work against childhood HIV in the developing world<ref>[http://town.uxbridge.on.ca/showDoc.asp?fname=march%2031st%20%20-%20council%20minutes.1.pdf]</ref> === Bradford, England === [[J. B. Priestley]] was awarded the Freedom of [[Bradford]]. === Preston, England === [[Andrew Flintoff]] was awarded the Freedom of [[Preston]] for his contribution in the [[2005 Ashes Series]]. === Derby, England === * In 2002 the city of Derby awarded the Freedom of the City to the entire Royal Navy Submarine Service. * In 2003 the city of [[Derby, England|Derby]] awarded the Freedom of the City to former [[Derby County]] and [[Nottingham Forest]] football manager [[Brian Clough]]. === Ipswich, England === [[May 05]] [[2008]]: [[Sir Bobby Robson]], received the Freedom Of The Borough Of [[Ipswich]]. Robson won the [[FA Cup]] in 1978 with [[Ipswich Town]] and The [[FA Cup]] with [[Ipswich]] in 1981. Robson also went on to manage [[England]]. === Kingston upon Hull, England === Recipients of Freedom of the City of [[Kingston upon Hull|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 [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Labour Party (UK)|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 F.C.|Liverpool Football Club]] in the 1970s and 1980s. * [[March 7]] [[1984]]: [[George Harrison]], [[Liverpool]]-born [[Rock music|rock]] [[guitar]]ist, [[singer]], [[songwriter]], [[author]] and [[sitar]]ist best known as the lead [[guitar]]ist of [[The Beatles]]. * [[March 7]] [[1984]]: [[John Lennon]], [[Liverpool]]-born [[songwriter]], [[singer]], [[musician]], [[Graphic designer|graphic artist]], [[author]] and [[Activism|political activist]], one of the founders of [[The Beatles]]. * [[March 7]] [[1984]]: [[Paul McCartney]], [[Liverpool]]-born [[songwriter]], [[singer]], [[musician]], [[Graphic designer|graphic artist]], [[author]] and [[Activism|political activist]], one of the founders of [[The Beatles]]. * [[March 7]] [[1984]]: [[Ringo Starr]], real name [[Ringo Starr|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|President]] of [[South Africa]]. === London, England === [[Image:Key to the City of London, Charles Lindbergh.JPG|thumb|right|150px|Lindbergh's key]] * Freedom of the City of [[London]] awarded to [[Charles Lindbergh]]. * 2005: Freedom of the City of London granted to [[Luciano Pavarotti]].<ref>[http://www.redcross.org.uk/news.asp?id=49068]</ref> === Manchester, England === * [[June 15]] [[1906]]: businessman and Liberal Member of parliament [[Crossley Baronets|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.[[Image:ReverseCrossley.jpg|thumb|right|150px|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. === Norwich, England === * 1984: the [[Royal Anglian Regiment]] received martial Freedom of the City in recognition of their long and happy relationship with the city.<ref>[http://www.norwich.gov.uk/webapps/news/news.asp?cid=4417]</ref> === Sheffield, England === * [[2005 Ashes Series]] Winning Captain [[Michael Vaughan]] was awarded Freedom of the City due to his achievements in bringing back [[The Ashes]]. * [[March 8]] [[2006]]: Daw [[Aung San Suu Kyi]], winner of the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] was granted martial Freedom of the City, ironically, in recognition of her non-violent work against the military dictatorship in [[Burma]].<ref>[http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/pm/more.php?id=200_0_1_0_M]</ref> === 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, Jamaica|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. === Tokyo, Japan === Recipients of the Key to the Metropolis of [[Tokyo]] include: * [[Helen Keller]]<ref>[http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=1&TopicID=181&DocumentID=1049]</ref> * [[Dr. Leon Picon]], one of the founding members of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations and a former Secretary-General.<ref>[http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/friends-of-turks.htm]</ref> * [[Paul E. Ruestow]], U.S. Major General<ref>[http://www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=6988]</ref> * 1959: [[Bill Effinger]], former Mayor of [[Buena Park, California]].<ref>[http://ambassadorprograms.org/50years/memories/bill_effinger.asp]</ref> * 1963: [[John Glenn]], Tokyo Gov. Rotaro Azuma presents Glenn with key to the metropolis of Tokyo on May 30, 1963. [http://library.osu.edu/sites/archives/glenn/collection/audiovisuals/photos.htm] * [[Francis Sumner Carruth]], Lieutenant Colonel in the Untied States Air Force. His management skills played an important role in heading off a labor strike in Tokyo.<ref>[http://www.carruthinc.com/Frank%20S%20Carruth%20Website.htm]</ref> * Dr. [[Albert M. Schwartz]] who was a vascular surgeon and a Colonel in the US Army. [[Image:Keytotokyo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Dr. Schwartz's Key]] ===Aberdeen, Scotland=== See also [[Freedom of the City of Aberdeen]] * [[April 28]] [[2006]]: The Highlanders' 4th Battalion of The [[Royal Regiment of Scotland]], were granted martial Freedom of the City for their long and happy association with the city.<ref>[http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acc_data/committee%20reports/cs_cou_r8d_060510.pdf]</ref> === Franklin Springs, Georgia, United States === * 2007: [[Georgia (U.S. state)|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 ones were destroyed in 2004 by [[Hurricane Ivan]]. === Milton, Georgia, United States === * 2007: The original Governor's Commission for the City of [[Milton, Georgia|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 1st as "Commissioning Day" in honor of their achievements. ===Chicago, Illinois, United States === * [[December 30]], [[1871]] [[Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia]] received the "Freedom of the City of Chicago" <ref> Chicago – The Grand Duke and New Year’s Day – The New York Times 4 ianuarie 1872 [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9401E4DF1739EF34BC4C53DFB7668389669FDE&scp=78&sq=Alexis&st=p]</ref> === New Orleans, Louisiana, United States === * [[November 21]], [[2006]]: Kentucky-New Orleans Architecture Studio received the key to the City of [[New Orleans]] for their work on restoration and re-design efforts of Mickey Markey Park in Bywater.<ref>[http://news.uky.edu/news/display_article.php?artid=1791&mode=print]</ref> * [[April 26]], [[2007]]: The Harris County Hospital District on in recognition of its efforts to provide health care to [[Hurricane Katrina]] evacuees at its Astrodome Clinic in September 2005.<ref>[http://www.hchdonline.com/about/news/2007/neworleans.htm]</ref> === Albion, Michigan, United States === Recipients include: * [[January 25]], [[1964]]: [[Aunt Jemima]] visits [[Albion, Michigan|Albion]]. She was there to raise money for the March of Dimes and came on many other occasions as well.<ref name="albion">[http://www.albionmich.com/history/histor_notebook/070107.shtml]</ref> * 1960s: [[Ann Landers]] was presented with a key upon her visit to Starr Commonwealth for Boys.<ref name="albion"/> ===Detroit, Michigan, United States=== 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.<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/26/iraq/main546287.shtml Guess Who Got The Key To Detroit?], ''[[CBS News]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2064887/detail.html]</ref> * [[January 31]], [[2006]]: Detroit native [[Jerome Bettis|Jerome "The Bus" Bettis]] was awarded by Mayor [[Kwame M. Kilpatrick]] 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. [http://www.geriallen.com] ===Flint, Michigan, United States=== * 1989: [[Lois M. Craig]]<ref>[http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/flintprofiles/ninamills/2001text/CraigL.html]</ref> * [[June 10]], [[2007]]: ''[[American Idol]]'' finalist [[LaKisha Jones]] received a proclamation and key to the city from Mayor [[Don Williamson]].<ref>[http://www.grandhaventribune.com/paid/288861848596134.bsp]</ref> ===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: * 1702: [[Edward Hyde, 3rd Earl of Clarendon|Viscount Cornbury]] on June 27th was presented the "Freedom of the City". [http://home2.nyc.gov/html/unccp/html/protocol/key.shtml] * [[Charles Lindbergh]]<ref>[http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=Charles%20Lindbergh]</ref> * [[February 5]], [[2008]]: 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 at City Hall after a ticker-tape parade up the [[Canyon of Heroes]] in lower Manhattan. ===Washington, District of Columbia, United States=== * 2008: [[Alexander Ovechkin]]<ref>[http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=/1-0&fp=485302379584b6a0&ei=Q1RTSMS5Jqf06gPwzKyQBQ&url=http%3A//www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/13/AR2008061303306.html&cid=1221226248&usg=AFQjCNFUlNdvRptxOYLVilwxUyFrfOsOig]</ref>, received the key of the city in honor of being the first player in [[NHL]] history to receive the [[Hart Memorial Trophy|most valuable player]], [[Lester B. Pearson Award|outstanding player]], [[Art Ross Trophy|top scorer]], and [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy|goal scoring leader]] awards in the same season. ===Dublin, Ireland=== See also [[Freedom of Dublin City]] * [[Nelson Mandela]] * [[Bill Clinton]] == References == <references/> == External links == * [http://www.guild-freemen-london.co.uk Guild of Freemen of the City of London] * [https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/leisure_heritage/freedom_of_city/ City of London's Freedom of the City] * [http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/marpac/news/marpac_news_e.asp?section=9&category=38&id=256 Military Context of "Freedom of the City"] * [http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_freedom.htm Royal Engineers Museum] Freedoms granted to the Royal Engineers * [http://www.civichalls.liverpool.gov.uk/townhall/history/freemen/index.asp Freemen of the City of Liverpool] [[Category:Civil decorations]] [[Category:Freedom of the City]] [[Category:Honorary titles]] [[Category:Local government in the United Kingdom]] [[de:Goldenes Buch]] [[sv:Freedom of the City]]