The tradition of Boroughs conferring the Freedom of the Borough goes back to ancient times when the Royal Charter Boroughs were almost, if not entirely self governing with little or no control over the authority and the powers of the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses by Parliament or Statute.
Originally, such conferment conveyed special privileges of various kinds upon the recipients, but, over the years, and especially since the passing of the Reform Act in 1983, the conferment is purely honorary.
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that a Council can bestow and the tradition is maintained as a means whereby public recognition may be given to the recipients as an expression of the highest esteem in which they are held by the Council and people of the Borough.
29 April 2021
18 January 2019
21 April 2018
30 January 2016