FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF SHEFFIELD PARADE

Over 120 personnel from 38 Signal Regiment (V) supported by the Cambrai and Heavy Cavalry Band, based in Catterick, marched through the streets of Sheffield on Sat 23 Jan 2010 with swords drawn and bayonets fixed.

Freedom of the City is an ancient honour granted to military organisations, allowing them the privilege to march into the city 'with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed'. This honour dates back to the laws of ancient Rome that made it a capital offence for Roman legions to enter the city in formation or with weapons without permission to prevent ambitious generals mounting a military coup.

Similar laws were passed by cities throughout the Medieval era for the same reason but legions, regiments, or other martial groups that had given heroic service or whose honour was beyond question, could be granted Freedom of the City which gave them the privilege of not having to disarm or break ranks before the city gates were opened to them. Given the serious risk that the city would be running, this was a rare honour. Today, Freedom of the City is an entirely ceremonial honour, but remains the oldest and one of the highest civic honours.

The full article is available to download in the April Edition of The Wire