Freedom of Entry
The practice of conferring the Freedom of Entry upon military units, allowing them the privilege to march into the city "with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed", has its roots deep in European history when local government consisted of rich and powerful fiefdoms or townships controlled by wealthy Lords or land owners; it is an interesting example of how European-based local government developed.
During the Middle Ages throughout Europe, including in the UK, independent companies of armed men were maintained by the various land owning nobles. Often, disputes and tension between the nobles posed the threat of occupation or attack, and looting was an ever present possibility. Over time, these towns grew into cities, and town councils became the governing authorities.
Generally, formed bodies of troops were not allowed to march through a borough without seeking the permission of the governing council. This was relatively easy to enforce because most boroughs were surrounded by a fortified wall. The city fathers would refuse access if, for some reason, they were suspicious of the Military Commander’s intentions. Denying or granting access to a city was done by the city Sheriff.
Hence whenever armed bodies travelled the countryside, they were only granted permission to set up their camps on that portion of the city that was outside the wall.
By the 12th Century, it wasn’t just invading or looting armies that were dangerous to a city. After the Crusades, soldiers were often undisciplined and violent, and refusal of access was not just to protect against hostile military action – sometimes it was to prevent unruly behaviour in the city by ill-disciplined soldiers. Still, a military force required trade with local merchants for victuals and services, and for recruitment; so there was a mutual need for interaction between the two.
The formality of seeking permission for a military unit to enter a city to recruit new soldiers or sailors (with all the pageantry required to entice people to join, including displays of weaponry), was needed to determine friendly from hostile action, and this protocol was first established by the City of London.
The granting of permission for a formed body of armed men to enter a city became a mark of the trust and confidence in which that body was held by the citizens of the city. The right of Freedom of Entry was only granted to a unit when the citizens were satisfied that the troops would protect their interests, or be of mutual benefit. Displays of military might in a city were powerful signs of the protection of that city – warning off potential invaders.
Permission to enter confers upon individual units the right to march in full ceremony in recognition of the confidence, trust and friendship existing between the citizens and military personnel. Such permission was formalised by a sealed and illuminated scroll (known as the Freedom Scroll), which is presented at a formal parade where the mayor inspects the assembled troops. This scroll provides the proof of the right and privilege of Freedom of Entry, and is carried whenever a unit exercises its right. If a march is challenged by the town sheriff (the police fulfil this role today), the scroll will be offered as proof of right and privilege. Once a unit has been granted the right of Freedom of Entry, they may exercise their right annually.
Through its British heritage, the Australian Defence Force has maintained the tradition of Freedom of Entry in respect of either entire arms of the ADF or individual units. The RAN especially welcomes an offer from the governing body of corporate towns and cities to adopt, unofficially, individual ships, and it views the subsequent offer of Freedom of Entry as the highest honour the city can bestow and the embodiment of the existence of a special relationship between the ship and the city.
