Islington Tribune - News: Freeman honour for delighted mayor

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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 15 February 2008

From left, Richard Regan, Professor Malcolm Gillies, Mayor Barbara Smith, Councillor James Kempton and Ann Palmer at last Wednesday’s ceremony

Freeman honour for delighted mayor

MAYOR of Islington Barbara Smith has received the Freedom of the City of London at the Guildhall.
The Lib Dem councillor said: “It’s an honour and the ceremony was really impressive. You have to read your declaration, you have your supporters there and you have to sign a register which is full of beautiful calligraphy.
“I was given a copy of the declaration and a little red book, Rules for the Conduct of Life. It’s not an award, it’s an ancient privilege to which you’re proposed to be admitted.”
In the past a Freeman had the right to be hanged by a silk cord if found guilty of a terrible crime and could become drunk and disorderly without fear of arrest.
Today, the honour guarantees a place in an almshouse if left destitute in old age. Orphaned children of a Freeman may be educated at The Freeman’s School, at Ashtead in Surrey, at no cost to the family.
Cllr Smith said: “I was pleased key people connected with the new City of London Academy were able to be present because one of my proposers chairs the governors.”
Islington Green School, in Prebend Street, Angel, is being turned into the City of London Academy, co-sponsored by the City of London Corporation and City University.
Cllr Smith was nominated by two members of the City of London’s Court of Common Council, Richard Regan, who is chairman designate of the City of London Academy, and Catherine McGuinness, chairman designate of the City of London KPMG Academy in Hackney.

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