Five Steps to Freedom: How the City of London Opened Doors I Never Expected

If you’d told me five years ago that becoming a Freeman of the City of London would lead to marching sheep across London Bridge, building websites for Aldermen, and finding a professional home steeped in centuries of history, I’d have probably laughed it off.

But that’s exactly what happened.

This is my journey in five steps.

1. The chance meeting that started it all

It all began with a project close to our hearts. We had just launched the brand identity we helped create for London’s Air Ambulance when I had a chance meeting with the Sheriff of London at the time, Alderman Tim Hailes. An inspiring figure, he invited us to his then home, the Old Bailey, for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s most famous courts.

That day wasn’t just memorable, it was pivotal. Alongside the history and grandeur came a conversation about his upcoming mayoral ambitions and a new website he wanted us to help build. One introduction, one conversation, and suddenly new doors were opening.

2. Receiving the Freedom

A few months later, after working closely on his site, I was incredibly honoured to be granted the Freedom of the City of London. The ceremony at Guildhall is something I won’t forget in a hurry. Standing in a space that has welcomed figures like Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill and Florence Nightingale gives you a real sense of history and continuity.

And yes, it’s true. I now had the right to drive sheep across London Bridge.

Naturally…

3. The sheep (and a lot of walking)

Before I knew it, I was doing exactly that. More than once.

Through becoming a member of the Guild of Young Freemen, I took up the opportunity to take part in the annual sheep drive. What I hadn’t quite realised was that the Young Freemen, alongside the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, actually act as guides for the day.

So what started as a single walk turned into roughly 30 crossings back and forth, delivering a slightly improvised (and occasionally patchy) history of the tradition to visitors along the way. Exhausting, slightly chaotic, but genuinely brilliant.

4. Finding a home in the Livery

Eventually, I reached the grand old age of 41 and was politely told it was time to move on from the Young Freemen. The next step was to find a Livery Company.

Coming out of lockdown, opportunities to explore were limited, but after attending events with several companies, something clicked. The warmth, hospitality and genuine passion for the print and editorial world led me to The Stationers’ Company.

It felt like home almost immediately.

5. The real reward: people and possibilities

The biggest surprise of all hasn’t been the events or the traditions, it’s been the people and the opportunities that have come with them.

In the past five years, I’ve attended white tie dinners, Lord Mayor’s Shows, played in inter-livery football matches, and spent three years on the Marketing Committee. We’ve won awards for our work and even been honoured with Warrants recognising its quality.

More than that, I find myself at Stationers’ Hall most weeks, greeted by familiar faces and a genuine sense of belonging. And now, in a full circle moment, we’ve been given the honour of designing the new website for the Hall and the Company.

What started as a single introduction has grown into something far bigger than business. Yes, it’s opened commercial doors, but more importantly, it’s brought experiences, friendships and a connection to London’s history that I never expected.

Not bad for someone who just went along for the walk.