Honorary positions and past mayors

Honorary Aldermen of the Borough and Freedom of the Borough

Under the Local Government Act, 1972, the Council is able to bestow historical titles to previous Members of the Council or persons of distinction who have rendered eminent services to the borough.

Historically, there were two categories of Members, Councillors and Aldermen.

Where Councillors were chosen by the electorate, Alderman were elected by their fellow councillors and served alongside them.

The office of Alderman was abolished in 1974. and the position is now honorary.

The term ‘Freeman’ dates back to the Middle Ages, when it bestowed commercial privileges and a route to a position of power in a town or city.

Freemen enjoyed special rights, dependent on local customs that were usually rights of pasturage on common land and exemptions from certain tolls and dues.

Since 1835 Borough Councils have continued to be given the power to appoint Freemen but the law has gradually reduced the privileges associated with the office.

The 1972 Act enables London Borough Councils to confer the award of Honorary Freeman of the Borough on persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the borough.

This is carried out at a meeting of the whole Council convened specifically for this purpose, with all due ceremony, and a presentation to the recipient.

'The Freedom' is the highest tribute that a borough can bestow, and although in modern times it does not convey any legal rights or responsibilities, Honorary Freemen are invariably invited to take part in important ceremonial occasions in the borough.

Plaques listing Honorary Aldermen and Freemen of the Borough are on display within the Council Chamber.

Please contact Committee Services for further information on Honorary Aldermen and Freemen of the Borough or to arrange to view the plaque.

Past Mayors

1969 - 1979

1969-70 William Tansley Smith
1970-71 Albert Thomas James
1971-72 Francis James Coffin, MBE
1972-73 William Frederick Cole
1973-74 Stanley Gordon Heath-Coleman
1974-75 Reta Christabel Coffin
1975 Dennis George Peters
14/10/1975-76 Albert Godfrey Charles Davis
1976-77 Henry James Sidney Turner
1977-78 John Farbon Moultrie, JP
1978-79 Jean Frost
1979-80 Alice Emma Smith

1980 - 1989

1980-81 Peter D H Marsden
1981-82 Leslie Reilly
1982-83 Norman Symonds
1983-84 Winifred Whittingham
1984-85 William Todd
1985-86 Eric Munday
1986-87 Roy Knell
1987-88 Robin Adaire
1988-89 Louise Sinclair
1989-90 Thomas W Orrin

1990 - 1999

1990-91 Ronald F Latchford
1991-92 Denis R O'Flynn
1992-93 Len F Long
1993-94 Mary Edwards
1994-95 Jack Hoepelman
1995-96 Jack Hoepelman
1996-97 Ivor Cameron
1997-98 Del Smith
1998-99 Harry Webb
1999-00 Maisie Whitelock

2000 - 2009

2000-01 Brian Eagling
2001-02 Denis O'Flynn
2002-03 Peter Gardner
2003-04 Edward Cahill
2004-05 Louise Sinclair
2005-06 John Mylod
2006-07 Wendy Brice-Thompson
2007-08 Georgina Galpin
2008-09 John Clark
2009-10 Roger Ramsey

2010 - present

2010-11 Pam Light
2011-12 Melvin Wallace
2012-13 Lynden Thorpe
2013-14 Eric Munday
2014-15 Linda Trew
2015-16 Brian Eagling
2016-17 Philippa Crowder
2017-18 Linda Van den Hende
2018-19 Dilip Patel
2019-20 Michael Deon Burton
2020-22 John Mylod
2022-23 Trevor McKeever