City Consorts of London
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  • Home
  • Who we are
    • Our Story of City Consorts - 2020
    • Our Story of City Consorts - 2017
    • Our Objectives
    • Our Patrons
    • Our Founders and Management Committee
    • Our Committees
  • Events
    • C2 Upcoming City Consorts Events
    • C2 Save the Date
    • C2 Past Events
    • C2 Members' Experiences
    • Upcoming Members' Events and COVID-19 Specials
    • Upcoming Civic Events 2021 and Specials
    • City Livery Company Diary
  • Testimonials
  • Membership
    • Why join?
    • Membership Brooches
    • City Consorts AGM Reports
    • City Consorts Questionnaire
  • Members Only
    • Being a Consort in a pandemic
    • ZOOM and Facebook help!
    • Did you know? >
      • Facts about the City of London
      • More about London
      • Our City of London
      • Historical Facts re Our expressions
      • Livery Halls/Companies
      • Traditions and Ceremonies
      • Yesterdays Jobs in London
      • London Pubs
      • Victorian Scandals
      • London's Mystical Origins
      • Medieval Times
      • Explanations behind Sayings
    • Useful things to know in the role of Consort >
      • The City >
        • City of London Corporation
        • Two Courts
        • The Wards
        • The Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs
        • Election of The Lord Mayor and Sheriffs
        • A Tour of the City
      • The Livery >
        • The Livery Companies
        • Freedom of the City of London
        • Membership of a Livery
        • The Governance of a Livery Company
        • The Livery Committee
        • The Clerk
        • Order of Precedence
      • Really Useful Resources >
        • Books
        • Helpful Summaries or Documents
        • Really Useful Websites
        • Web Links to Livery Companies
        • Photos of all Masters and Consorts
        • YOUTUBE Videos
        • Web Links to Livery Company Halls
        • Web Links to Livery Calendars and Events
      • Being a Consort - Some Basics >
        • The Role
        • What you can expect
        • Having a great time
        • Where to get help or advice
      • Dress >
        • Dress - The Basics
        • Mansion House Banquets
        • Dress Tips for Women Consorts
        • Hats, Bags and Jewellery
      • FAQ
      • Request A Print
    • TIPS for Consorts from Consorts
    • Sharing Experiences
    • Official Documents
    • Key Contacts
    • Contact Us
  • Contact Us
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YOUR CART

FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON 

Activities of the Livery Companies became intertwined with the daily life of the Square Mile – even today.

The Livery Companies grew to become so important that if you wanted to work in a particular trade in the City, then you needed to ‘do your time’ as an Apprentice learning your trade and being accountable to your Master for many years, before becoming a Freeman of the Company and then Freeman of The City when you could ‘ply’ your trade as a ‘free man’ (Freedom of the City of London).

The Livery Companies governed who could trade, and membership of one was essential if you wanted to make your own way in that trade. A fee or ‘Fine’ would be charged on joining and in return the Livery Companies would ensure that the goods and services provided to consumers would be of the highest possible standards. 

In 1835, the Freedom was widened to incorporate not just members of Livery Companies but also people living or working in the City or those with a strong London connection.  In modern day, the first step is to become a Freeman of the Company and a Freeman of The City before you can become a liveryman of any company.  Members of many Companies pay fines (fees) to belong.  The Freedom of the City of London is a unique part of London’s history maintained to present day, alongside the role the liveries play in governing The City. 

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