No joke: In ages-old ceremony, City of London makes actor Morgan Freeman a freeman

CP30677183
US actor Morgan Freeman poses for pictures after he was made a freeman of the City of London, at the Guildhall in London, England, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

LONDON – The City of London has given Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman the Freedom of the City award.

The time-honoured ceremony makes Freeman a freeman in the City of London.

The award is believed to have originated in the 13th century. It allows Freeman to carry out his trade.

In days gone by, freemen were allowed to herd sheep over London Bridge, but that privilege no longer applies.

Freeman was honoured for his acting and his charitable works.

The 77-year-old Freeman has acted in dozens of films, including “The Shawshank Redemption,” ”Million Dollar Baby,” ”Driving Miss Daisy” and “Unforgiven.”

The ceremony was held Wednesday at London’s Guildhall. It started with Morgan reading the Declaration of a Freeman.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles