As an American, I'm interested in what makes up a "freeman". From wikipedia it seems like it's just someone whose not a noble, but there's only a sentence blurb about it. Maybe someone from England can clarify? :).
"In some countries, such as the United States, an ornamental key – the ‘key to the city’ – is presented to esteemed visitors, residents, or others whom the city wishes to honour. This practice is a variation on the freedom of the city tradition, and has a similar symbolic meaning; evoking medieval walled cities, the gates of which would be guarded during the day and locked at night, the key symbolises the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents."
Freemen were people who werent bound to serfdom. You weren't obligated or a vassal of a noble. You could work in any way you saw fit or pledge yourself as you wished.
"Whilst undoubtedly a privilege, strict instructions are given that the Freedom of the City of London should not be presented to others as being an honour or award."
Which, for Americans, is not the same as the city you know of as London. It's about a square mile inside greater London and is often referred to as such.
