Freeman of the City of London

Sir Peter recently became a Freeman of the City of London. This is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies believed to have been first presented in 1237. To this day the Freedom of London remains a unique part of London’s history. The purpose of the Freedom of the city has evolved throughout the ages, from town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city to enabling members of a Guild or Livery to be given the right to carry out trade or craft. Since 1835, the eligibility for this honour expanded to people living and working in the City or if they had a strong London connection. An interesting fact you may not know is those with the Freedom of the City, during the Medieval era, were allowed to take their sheep into the city and sell them at market. This tradition has continued to this day with recipients herding sheep across the Southwark Bridge in London. Each freedom ceremony is carried out individually in the Chamberlain’s Court Room, Guildhall and the recipient is asked to read aloud the declaration of a freeman and to sign the declaration book.

Sir Peter commented "I feel extremely privileged to be included amongst such inspirational people as Winston Churchill, Florence Nightingale, Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela & Steven Hawkins".