Freedom of the City of London

The Guildhall, City of London 

In October, I was admitted to the Freedom of the The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, which I wrote about here. As part of the link between the Livery companies and the City of London, I have now been admitted to the Freedom of the City at a ceremony at the Guildhall in London last Wednesday. Admission to the freedom is organised by the Chamberlain's Court and is accompanied with this lovely piece of calligraphy produced on vellum. Vellum is a thin, specially prepared calfskin, which pre-dates paper and has been used for documents for centuries.

Originally this certificate was effectively a 'licence to trade' within the city and was essential to do business from the middle ages up until at least the 19th century.

The short ceremony was conducted by the Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court, Murray Craig. Here I am being presented with my Freedom Certificate.

I went together with my family and it was a very interesting, special day. My thanks to Murray Craig for making it so interesting and enjoyable.

http://www.guildhall.cityoflondon.gov.uk/

Posted by Justin Hobson 22.02.2016