Council chief given Freedom of City of London

The Freedom Parchment, along with the Rules of Conduct of Life was presented to David Jackson in the Chamberlain’s Court by Paul Double CVO, the Remembrancer of the City of London. David Jackson was nominated by Sir David Wootton, a former Lord Mayor of London and now Governor of The Honourable The Irish Society and by Roger Chadwick, the Deputy Governor.

Edward Montgomery, Secretary of The Honourable The Irish Society, said: “The Honourable The Irish Society is delighted to bestow the Freedom of the City of London on David Jackson. It helps to strengthen the historic links between City of London and Coleraine as well as helping to encourage new links in terms of economic opportunities for the Borough.”

Mr Jackson said: “This is a really great honour and at the same time, given some of the previous recipients, a somewhat humbling experience to accept the Freedom of the City of London.

“The tribute further reinforces the close relationship between the City of London and the newly formed Borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

“The Governor and Members of The Honourable The Irish Society were wonderful hosts on the day and Council looks forward to further strengthening that partnership during the coming months and the years ahead.”

The Freedom of the City of London is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade; and today people are nominated for, or apply for, the Freedom because it offers them a link with the historic city of London and one of its ancient traditions.

However, many of the so–called traditional privileges associated with the Freedom, such as driving sheep over London Bridge, no longer exist.

The Very Reverend Dr William Morton, the Dean of Derry also received the Freedom of the City of London on the same day.