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From: 163 Spring 2026
Author: Peter Smith
This important annual event took place in the grand surroundings of the Old Library in the Town Hall. Nine applicants were admitted, seven present and two online from Copenhagen. Our Chair Peter Smith, Sheriff Cllr Andrew Gant, and Lord Mayor Cllr Louise Upton presided.
Those admitted to the Freedom of the City of Oxford were: Holly Barwick, Harry Townsend, Oliver Townsend, Thomas L’Estrange, George L’Estrange, Katherine Smith, Isobel Willems, Jonathan Willems. The Lord Mayors Childe this year is Edward Wells who lives in Oxford.
The Sheriff read out each name and, aided by the Lord Mayor’s Cadet, handed out framed Oaths and then managed the collective reading of the Oath. After some words of welcome from our Chair, there was plenty of time for the new Freemen to have photographs taken with our Chair, the Sheriff and Lord Mayor, as well as family and friends. This had the backdrop of the adjacent Old Assembly Room’s impressive fireplace. It is such a positive event and everyone seemed to have a great time.
We are as ever appreciative of the council’s Civic team – Lizzie Hawkins and David Hawkins - for processing applications and organising the event.
There was some historic irony highlighted by our Chair. The story goes that King Alfred’s donation of Port Meadow to the Freemen was in thanks for the loan of horses, which helped him repel invading Danes. Our Chair’s Danish son-in-law was admitted, so it’s perhaps nice to see that as some sort of historic bridge-building!
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