A HALE Barns councillor was recently granted the freedom of the City of London at a ceremony at the Guildhall.
Cllr Patrick Myers, who is also Trafford’s executive member for finance, was nominated for the honour by his livery company, the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, due to his work in advising optometrists and opticians for 30 years.
The granting of the Freedom of the City of London dates back to 1237 and is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence.
Today most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared, but it remains as a unique part of London’s history.
Cllr Myers said: "I had to read the declaration of a freeman and sign the ‘Freemans Declaration Book’.”
“The copy of the Freedom, a parchment document inscribed by a calligrapher, was presented by the clerk.
“I was also given a copy of the ‘Rules for the Conduct of Life’ which date from the mid-18th century.
“It was a fantastic experience and a great honour.”
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