Retired colleague gains Freedom of the City of London

7 October 2024

Former City of London Police officer Simon Ashton has been granted the Freedom of the City of London.

Simon is the third generation of his family to have served in City of London Police, and was joined for the honour by his father – who himself received freedom of the City in the 1990s.

Simon said: “What an amazing honour to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, made even more poignant as it was my peers at City of London Police that made it happen, and was supported by Mike Reed (Police Federation Chair) and the Commissioner.

“The day was made even more special as my father (the original 777) joined me, he was also presented with this honour back in the 90s."

City of London Police Federation Chair Mike Reed added: “It was a real privilege to be able to make the Freedom of the City happen for Simon after his peers asked if this award could be given to him.

“Simon is the epitome of what the City Police stands for. He was loyal to his colleagues, a tremendous ambassador for the force and would willingly place himself in danger for the public he served. It wasn’t any wonder that when he chose to retire, the teams he worked with (both in the City and the Met) wanted him to have something special as a thank you.

“The Freedom of the City is an ancient award that was first given in 1136 and allowed ‘citizens of the City’ to conduct their trades and movements without hinderance from the Police, beadles and tax man! It’s now given more to recognise individuals that have gone good for or reflect the values of The City.

“Simon now joins a cohort including Kings, Queens, Lord Nelson, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill and Ed Sheeran. But despite rubbing shoulders with greats, knowing Simon the fact that those he worked with asked for this to happen, is probably the most important thing for him.

“What was lovely to see was that at his ceremony Simon was accompanied by his father, who himself is a Freeman but a City Officer, like his father before him, meaning that Simon’s family has served the City and its public for three generations!

“The award was therefore extremely fitting for Simon and the long standing links to the City of London Police.

“Special thanks also have to go to James Thomson, Deputy Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, and previous Commissioner Ian Dyson, who sponsored the application for the award.”