Allister Malcolm becomes Freeman of London

Contemporary glass master Allister Malcolm has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London – joining such notable names and Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher and Sir Michael Caine, who have received this honour in the past.

On 9 July 2024, he went to the Guildhall in London to receive the award at a Freedom Ceremony. Already a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London, Allister was presented in the traditional way through this Livery Company. In attendance were the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers’ Master David Wilkinson, Past Master Barbara Beadman and the Clerk Paul Wenham.

Speaking about the experience, Allister said, “It was a really enjoyable day; I feel very privileged to be welcomed and part of something with such a deep history.”

While nowadays most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared (such as the right to drive sheep over London Bridge and to carry a naked sword in public), it remains a unique part of London’s history.

The medieval term ‘freeman’ meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city were often free – hence the term ‘freedom’ of the City.

From the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, the Freedom was the right to trade, enabling members of a Guild or Livery to carry out their trade or craft in London’s Square Mile. A fee or fine would be charged and, in return, the Livery Companies would ensure that the goods and services provided were of the highest standards. In 1835, the Freedom was widened to incorporate not just members of Livery Companies but also people living or working in the City or those with a strong London connection.

Image: (left to right) The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers’ Master David Wilkinson, Past Master Barbara Beadman, Allister Malcolm and the Clerk Paul Wenham.