An archival record relating to Lewis Worrow’s admission to the Freedom of the City of London through the Worshipful Company of International Bankers.
The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest continuing civic traditions in the United Kingdom, with origins dating back to the medieval City of London. Historically, the Freedom conferred important commercial rights and recognised an individual’s standing within the City’s civic and trading community. While those historic privileges have long since evolved, the Freedom continues to represent a formal connection with the institutions and traditions of the City.
Lewis Worrow was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London through the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, one of the City’s modern Livery Companies serving the international banking and financial services profession.
The official record of the City of London Corporation identifies Lewis Alexander Worrow and records his admission through the Worshipful Company of International Bankers. The Freedom forms part of the established progression within the Livery movement, whereby members of a Livery Company first become Freemen of the Company before being admitted to the Freedom of the City and, where appropriate, progressing to the Livery.
Admission to the Freedom is administered by the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall. During the ceremony, each new Freeman makes the Declaration of a Freeman and signs the Freedom records before receiving the official parchment recording the Freedom.
Today, the Freedom represents continuity between the City’s historic commercial institutions and its modern role as a global financial centre. Through the Livery Companies, the tradition continues to promote professional standards, charitable activity, education and civic engagement across a wide range of professions, including international banking.
For Lewis Worrow, admission to the Freedom reflects an association with the City of London’s financial institutions through the Worshipful Company of International Bankers and forms part of a broader professional connection with the City’s historic and contemporary financial community.
