England and Essex batsman Alastair Cook has been given the Freedom of the City of London following his performances during England’s Ashes win. The left-hander was named man of the series after his 766 runs during England’s 3-1 series win against Australia during the winter. Cook was awarded the honour at the Guildhall. The Freedom of the City dates back to 1237 and is offered to individuals to celebrate a significant achievement.
It originally enabled people to carry out their trade in the city and is also a tribute to people who make an outstanding contribution to London life. A lot of the traditional privileges associated with the honour, such as being able to drive sheep over London Bridge, no longer exist. Cook, who was a boarder at St Paul’s Cathedral Choir School in the City, follows in the footsteps of the current England captain Andrew Strauss and his predecessor Michael Vaughan in being made a Freeman.
“I feel honoured to be part of such an historic tradition,” Cook said. “I spent my formative years in the City, as a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral Choir School, and it was here I was taught the value of discipline and patience; qualities I have never relied on more than I did this past winter.”
