Freedom of The City of London granted to Karen Jones

Karen Jones, founder and CEO of Citywealth, was granted Freedom of the City of London, an ancient tradition going back to the 13th c, closely associated with membership of the City Livery Companies. Karen was in the first place accepted as a member of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers.

She had to read out the ancient Declaration of a Freeman during a ceremony at Guildhall, where she promised to "Keep the City away from harm" and to "warn the Mayor of any conspiracies made against the Queen's Peace". She was then presented with a certificate by the Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court at City Corporation of London, in the presence of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and assisted by the beadle of the livery company.

The Freedom of the City was originally created to grant certain privileges to citizens who weren't the property of feudal lords and were granted permission to practice their trade and own land. Though the practical reasons to obtain Freedom of The City are no longer relevant, gaining admittance remains a unique part of London's history and is an honour to be accepted. There's a long standing tradition of admitting women.

Freemen of The City have the right to vote for the Square Mile Mayor who is elected every year in November. One of the major functions of the Lord Mayor of London is to promote London's financial services abroad.

A quaint tradition dating from the Middle Ages and still upheld today, is the Freemen's right to drive their sheep across London Bridge. The Annual Sheep Drive Across London Bridge takes place every year in September.