"I swear that I will be good and true to our Sovereign Queen Elizabeth the Second"
"I do solemnly swear that I will be good and true to our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second". Those who read these words in the Great Hall of the Guildhall in London, are made freeman!
"Freedom of the City" is in fact the highest honour granted by the City of London - only those who have highly distinguished themselves can aspire to such recognition.
On Tuesday, 13/09/2011 it was an important day in the life of the Italian community living in London. In the presence of Dr Murray Craig, Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court at City Corporation of London, Elisa Provini Walker, always committed to the promotion of Italian culture and protecting the common good, was honored with the "Freedom of the City", as a gesture of gratitude.
The "Freedom of the City" was introduced 1237 to grant citizens privileges of a practical nature as well as rights and immunities. The precious parchment, kept in a casket, was shown by its carrier in order to receive the benefits it commanded. The Duke of Edinburgh, Churchill and Roosevelt are only some of the 21st century to have received the honour.
More recently, the "Freedom of the City" has a symbolic value, but it remains a unique tradition in the history of the City of London. Reserved for citizens of the British Commonwealth, from 1996 this honor has also been extended to deserving foreign citizens, through a nomination, for significant contributions to society, or for the good of the City of London. Nelson Mandela, Karim Aga Khan, Bill Gates, Lee Kuan Yew represent some of the modern times international recipients.
After reading the "Declaration of Freeman" and having sealed the ceremony by signing the Freeman's Declaration Book, Elisa Provini Walker received the precious parchment.
'I am truly honoured by this act of generosity,' said Elisa Provini Walker.
At the end of the ceremony, the Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court, Dr Craig, made reference to Italy’s long-lasting bond with the City of London, by mentioning two previous Italians to have received such honour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Luciano Pavarotti, and now Elisa Provini Walker.
