Derek Soper Receives the Freedom of the City of London
Derek Soper, a Principal and European Chairman of The Alta Group, was recently granted the Freedom of the City of London, in one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in existence today.It is believed that the first Freedom was granted in 1237. A history published on the City of London's Web site notes that the medieval term "freeman" meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord, but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city were often free - hence the term "freedom of the City."
The Freedom is closely associated with the City livery companies, now collectively known as the Livery – trade and craft associations that are unique in their survival, numbers and diversity. Their survival has been achieved by doing what they have always done: fostering their trade in a wide context, serving the community and embracing modern skills and professions. Today there are 107 Livery Companies in the City of London.
Derek is a member of the Livery Company - The Guild of International Bankers.
