Freedom of the City of London

The Freedom of the City of London is one of those aspects of British culture that is enveloped in myth and mystery.

In modern times almost 2,000 people are admitted to the Freedom each year in an ancient ceremony at Guildhall. About half of that number come by way of one of the City’s 110 Livery Companies.

It remains a prerequisite that the junior members of a Livery Company (called Freemen) be admitted to the Freedom of the City of London in order to progress to become Liverymen (senior members of their company) and vote in the election of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of London.

For members of the Worshipful Company of Insurers becoming Liverymen of the Company, the Clerk’s office will usually arrange for their Freedom of the City of London ceremony to be organised the same day as their ‘Clothing’ ceremony, where they will become a Liveryman of the Company. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

• WCI members at a recent Freedom ceremony