Andrew Retains His Freedom Of The City Of London Honour

Andrew's Big Day: Retaining His Freedom of the City of London

So, you're probably wondering, "What's this Freedom of the City of London lark all about?" Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into a quirky, fun, and surprisingly modern tradition that's been around since the 13th century. Yes, you heard it right, we're talking about a medieval honor that's still going strong today!

What's the Big Deal?

Being granted the Freedom of the City of London is a pretty big deal. It's like getting a special VIP pass to the city, complete with a fancy certificate and a cool sword. But here's the kicker, it's not just about the bling. Freemen (that's what they're called) get to drive sheep over London Bridge without paying a toll. Now, that's a power worth having!

But wait, there's more! Freemen also get to carry out their trades without paying guild fees. So, if you're a baker, you can make as many loaves as your heart desires without shelling out extra cash. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right?

Andrew's Big Moment

Now, let's talk about our man Andrew. He's just been awarded this prestigious honor, and he's over the moon about it. But you might be thinking, "Who's Andrew, and why should I care?" Well, let me tell you, Andrew is no ordinary Joe. He's the Duke of York, and he's just become the 800th Lord Mayor of the City of London. Yes, you read that right, 800th!

So, on a chilly November morning, Andrew found himself standing in the ancient Guildhall, ready to take the oath that would grant him this historic freedom. He promised to be "true and faithful" to the Queen, the City, and its people. And just like that, he was in!

Quirky Traditions

But wait, there's more to this story than just a fancy ceremony. Oh no, this is London we're talking about, where quirky traditions run deep. So, after the oath-taking, Andrew had to prove his worth in a rather unusual way. He had to present a sword to the City Remembrancer, a role that's been around since the 13th century. But here's the twist, the sword had to be passed through a locked door. Talk about a test of patience!

And if that wasn't enough, Andrew also had to present a silver oar to the Corporation of Watermen and Lightermen. Now, you might be wondering, "Why an oar?" Well, it's all about the history, my friend. The watermen and lightermen were the original taxi drivers of the Thames, and this oar is a symbol of their important role in the city's history.

Why It's Still Relevant Today

You might be thinking, "This all sounds like a lot of fun, but what's the point of it all?" Well, believe it or not, this ancient tradition is still relevant today. It's a symbol of the City of London's independence from the rest of the UK, and it's a way to honor and celebrate the people who dedicate their lives to serving the city.

Plus, it's a great way to bring people together. The Freedom of the City ceremony is a chance for the Lord Mayor, the City's officials, and the public to come together and celebrate the city's rich history and vibrant present. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll be standing in the Guildhall, ready to take the oath and become a Freeman of the City of London yourself. Now, that's a party worth planning for!