At a time when many long-standing traditions are being swept away, one in Oxford shows no sign of disappearing.

The ancient ceremony of giving the freedom of the city to a select band of people takes place regularly at Oxford Town Hall.

This was the scene in 1978 when six would-be freemen and their families gathered in the Lord Mayor’s parlour.

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Before the 1835 Municipal Reform Act, it was a significant role - only freemen could start a business in the city and vote in council elections.

Today, two main privileges remain - they have a right to graze cattle and horses on Port Meadow and fish in the River Thames the whole length of the meadow.

However, you have to meet certain criteria before you can be considered as a freeman.

You must be the children, stepchild, grandchild, son-in-law, daughter-in-law or adopted child of a freeman, or serving at least a two-year apprenticeship to a freeman within the city boundaries.

The Lord Mayors may also nominate someone for admission as their ‘Childe’ during his or her term of office.

The six men who became freemen in 1978 were John Alden, of Horspath, Anthony Allen, of Cholsey, Christopher Butterfield, of Thame, Albert Cross, of Aberystwyth, Stephen Cross, of Botley, and Martin Goodall, of Brighton.

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The Lord Mayor, Bill Simpson, extreme right, is seen handing out copies of the oath they swore before the Sheriff of Oxford, William Bowdery, wearing the chain in the centre. To apply to become a Freeman of the City of Oxford you can complete and return an application form on the city council website.

The council and Freemen of Oxford aim to host two admissions per year.

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF