On Wednesday 19th May 2921 I was granted the Freedom of the City of London, which, for me was the Greatest Honour that I could be given. The child who was born, in those day, within the sound of Bow Bells, and what is known as a ‘cockney’. I was already a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Educators, of which I am proud to wear their gown and Badge.
Usually I would have gone up to Guildhall in London for my Ceremony, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic Guildhall is still closed and no one knows for sure when it will be open again, so I had my Ceremony virtually and it couldn’t have been more wonderful. I still had to sign the age old Declaration of a Freeman, so I had to do that in the ‘air’ with a pen, and my framed Declaration will be sent to me in the post.
I can now drive my sheep over London Bridge, which actually costs you £50 which is a donation towards the Woolmers Charity, which looks after people in the Wool and Cloth Industry who have fallen on hard times. I can also be hanged on a silken rope if I murder someone in the City, and if I’m caught within the City, blind drunk, then I can be put in a Taxi and sent home free of charge!
Plus, and let’s not forget this – I am now know as a Gentlewoman !
One thing I don’t forget though is that Jack, my son and Editor, also has the Freedom, and is a member of the Guild of Freemen and is also a Member of the Worshipful Company of Educators. He progressed to Livery Status this year. At the end of my year as a Freeman, I’d like to progress to Livery Man (You can’t be a Livery Woman or Person) and then that’s it for me. I’ll leave any other progression to Dick Whittington.
Carol Yeomanson Books 