South Yorkshire Times, March 7th, 1970
Freedom Honour Bestowed On Conisbro’ Accountant
A Conisbrough commercial accountant has been granted a unique honour – Freedom of the City of London.
28-year-old Geoffrey Berry, who opened offices in Conisbrough last June, received his Freeman’s scroll from the Chamberlain of the City in the Guildhall last Friday.
Two Friends
He was nominated for the honour by two friends in the city and is now one of over 100 accountants in the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers, one of the city’s privileged Livery Companies.
Mr. Berry said “this is the first step towards taking livery, which means becoming eligible to wear the robes of the company and to vote at elections of Sheriffs and Lord Mayors in the City.”
Livery companies are like fraternity clubs. They stem from feudal times, and members still enjoy certain privileges dating from those times.
Mr. Berry’s company – the Basketmakers – recently celebrated their 400th anniversary. They now devote much of their time to helping charitable organisations.
Mr. Berry swore the oath of allegiance to the Queen and the Lord Mayor before receiving the freedom of the city from the Chamberlain, one Richard Whittington, at The Guildhall.
Now he hopes to progress to become a “Livery Man” and sit in Common Hall, London’s unique and historic electoral assembly.