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How young freemen are reinvigorating City traditions

3 0
06.08.2025

Admission ceremony at Stationers’ Hall to welcome new members to the Guild of Young Freemen. Photo: Carla Salvatore

The City Guilds have medieval origins, but they — and their young members — are as relevant as ever, says Rafael Steinmetz Leffa

As London’s financial and professional sectors evolve, so must its civic structures. The Guild of Young Freemen, now approaching its 50th anniversary, has repositioned itself as a key entry point for young leaders in the Square Mile. Much of that transformation has been driven by a new generation committed to preserving tradition while embracing professional relevance. As the Guild’s current Upper Warden, I have seen firsthand how powerful these institutions remain when opened to new energy and purpose.

Walk through the City and you will sense a deeper rhythm beneath the bustle of finance, fintech and professional services. At its core lies the ancient custom of the livery companies and the Freedom of the City of London. Though often shrouded in myth, such as the right to carry a sword in public or drive sheep across London Bridge, the modern Freedom is a symbolic yet........

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