History of the Mayor of Hillingdon

Since the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835, borough councils have continued to be given the power to appoint Freemen, but the law has gradually reduced the privileges associated with that office.

The Local Government Act of 1972 introduced a major change in the powers and structures of local authorities. Borough councils can designate persons of distinction and persons who have rendered eminent services, as Freemen of the Borough. This is usually carried out at a specially convened meeting of the whole council, which includes a ceremony where an illuminated scroll is usually presented to the recipient.

In the situation where a regiment or RAF station is admitted as a Freeman, tradition also allows the military unit to parade in the town with fixed bayonets, a regimental band playing, as well as colours flying.

'The Freedom' is the highest tribute that a borough can bestow, and although in modern times it is an honour only and confers no legal rights, Honorary Freemen are invariably invited to take part in all important ceremonial occasions in the borough.