There are several ways to apply for
the Freedom: by servitude (for apprentices who have served a
full apprenticeship to a freeman), by patrimony (for children
of freemen - provided one parent was a freeman prior to the
applicant's birth), by Nomination (see below) or by
presentation by a
Livery Company .
New members of the City Livery Companies are
generally encouraged by the Company to apply for the Freedom. The
process of becoming a Freeman through a Livery Company is explained
in full by the Clerk of the Company.
Finally, persons who have been on the City of
London Electoral Roll for a minimum of one year may obtain the
Freedom without the need for an application visit or Common Council
approval. There is no fee in such cases and applicants should
advise that they are on the Ward List.
Freedom by
Nomination
Persons of any nationality may apply for the
Freedom by nomination. Forms are available from the Chamberlain's
Court and the applicant must be nominated by two sponsors who will
be Common Councilmen of the City of London, Aldermen or members of
a Livery Company.
The applicant then makes an appointment to
attend the Chamberlain's Court for an 'application visit'. He or
she would bring a number of documents supporting the application -
to include a full birth certificate, the completed nomination form
and the Freedom Fee which is known as a 'fine'. The current fine is
£30.
The application is then presented to the Court
of Common Council (the City of London's governing body) for
approval, after which the applicant is advised in writing to
contact the Court to arrange a date for the Freedom Ceremony.
In addition, there is another specialised
category open to those people who wish to stand for election to the
Court of Common Council and who do not have ready access to the
Nominators outlined (ie the Lord Mayor, Sheriff, Aldermen, Common
Councilmen of the City of London or Liverymen) In such a case an
applicant can be supported by any two electors registered in the
City or by two persons eligible to sign an application for a
passport.