Freedom of the City/Borough

The Freedom of the City is a municipality award with deep historic roots dating back to the Middle Ages or even farther back to Roman times.

A respected member of the community or a noteworthy visitor may be granted the Freedom of the City (or Borough in various parts of the UK) by local authorities. Military units that have gained the community's trust may also be granted the Freedom of the community; this is frequently referred to as the Freedom of Entry. This affirms the relationship between the regiment and the town and gives them the freedom to parade through the city "with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed". The awarding of the Freedom is often accompanied by a celebratory parade through the city.