Freedom ceremonies take place
in the Chamberlain's Court at Guildhall and are usually
conducted by the Clerk of the Court or his Assistant. Freemen,
their nominators and guests are escorted to the Court by the
Beadle, who wears the traditional top hat and tails. The Clerk
of the Court wears a silk gown, and if the Chamberlain
performs the ceremony, he wears the traditional ermine-trimmed
gown.
The prospective Freeman is invited to read the
'
Declaration of a Freeman', and to sign the Freeman's
Declaration Book. The Copy of the Freedom - a parchment document
with the name of the recipient beautifully inscribed in a special
ink - is presented by the Clerk, together with a copy of the 'Rules
for the Conduct of Life' which date from the mid-18th century.
After the ceremony there is time for informal
questions, the opportunity to view interesting items such as the
Honorary Freedom documents of historic figures and to take
photographs.