Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company (established 1880, closed 1952), Waterlow & Sons Limited (established 1810, closed 2009), Freedom of the City of London presented to W. M. Hughes on 18 April 1916, Official Gifts Collection, Parliament House Art Collection.

This Freedom of the City of London is part of the Official Gifts Collection of Parliament House, gifted to former Prime Minister William (Billy) Morris Hughes by the City of London in 1916.

Freedom of the City is bestowed by a city or municipality upon an esteemed guest in honour of their outstanding contribution to public life. This practice evolved from a mediaeval tradition relating to the status of a ‘freeman’, someone who was not the property of a feudal lord. The city’s charter protected the freeman and his rights to earn money and own land; freemen were in turn expected to be trustworthy and loyal.

In 1916, in the middle of the World War 1, Prime Minister Billy Hughes sailed to Europe. He met with soldiers, spoke on their behalf to inspire new recruits to the war effort, and travelled to London to attend British cabinet meetings, meet wartime leaders and lobby for Australia’s trade interests.

Hughes was presented with the Freedom of the City of London on 18 April 1916. The artefact consists of a highly ornate gilded brass and enamel casket, set on a wood and velvet base, containing an illuminated manuscript. The casket presents Australia, symbolised by its Coat of Arms, as the foundation for Imperial glory.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr W M Hughes, with Lieutenant Colonel Sir Newton Moore, inspecting members of the Australian Army Provost Corps, London, 1916; British Official Photograph courtesy of the Australian War Memorial, H18654.

An engraving on the front of the casket reads:

‘PRESENTED WITH THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON TO / THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM MORRIS HUGHES. K.C. / PRIME MINISTER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA. / BY THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF LONDON / IN TESTIMONY OF APPRECIATION OF HIS EMINENT SERVICES TO THE EMPIRE. / AND IN GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE / OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH DURING THE WAR. / AND THE HEROIC SPIRIT DISPLAYED BY THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AUSTRALIAN FORCES / WHO HAVE COME TO THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MOTHER COUNTRY. / GUILDHALL. TUESDAY. 18th APRIL 1916’

Hughes was warmly received throughout his trip. He was given a Freedom of the City of Cardiff on 24 March, Edinburgh on 26 April, Glasgow on 27 April, Bristol on 20 May, Manchester on 26 May and York on 27 May. Hughes was also given a Freedom of the City from the Welsh Community of Manchester on 26 May. All these ceremonial gifts are in the Parliament House Art Collection.

Read more about former Prime Minister Billy Hughes here.