Beatrix Ong becomes a Freedom of The City

Celebrated Shoe designer, Beatrix Ong, has had a good

start to 2012. She was presented with the Freedom of The City accolade at Guildhall at the Chamberlin’s Court.

The honour is bestowed upon esteemed members of the community for their services and, in turn, they receive a guide to conduct their lives in an honourable fashion and are granted privileges - most of which date back to throughout the last century.

"I am very proud to have become a Freeman of the City of London this year. I have been told it is greatly disruptive these days for Freemen to walk their sheep over London Bridge, so it will be a privilege I will not attempt for now!" said Ong MBE, who last September was admitted into one of the oldest Livery companies in existence, the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers (leather goods). She was also the first woman in its almost 740-year history to be presented with the Cordwainer's pin. In December, she was then admitted to the Freedom of the City of London, having been approved by the Court of Aldermen.