3-043-758 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Presentation of the Freedom of the City of London to Baroness Burdett Coutts, 1872. 'The honorary freedom of the city of London...has been publicly presented to Lady Burdett-Coutts in recognition of her conspicuous public services. The ceremony took place in the Guildhall...the Aldermen and Sheriffs wore their scarlet robes and gold chains...The Lord Mayor...addressed the Baroness in terms of eulogy, dwelling on the good uses to which she has put the wealth intrusted to her hands, and on the discretion with which her benevolence has been directed. In conclusion, he assured her Ladyship that it was a source of infinite gratification to himself personally that this public recognition of her services in the cause of humanity by the citizens of London had occurred in his mayoralty...The Chamberlain of London (Mr. Scott)...addressed Baroness Burdett-Coutts in a congratulatory speech on her admission "as one of the Worshipful Company of Turners"...[He] paid a warm tribute to the public-spirited generosity of the Baroness, and spoke highly of the munificence of her gifts to the poor of London. It was incidentally mentioned that she was the first lady whose name had been inscribed on the roll of those whom the citizens had delighted to honour'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.