No joke: In ages old ceremony, City of London makes actor Morgan Freeman a freeman

LONDON _ The City of London has given Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman the Freedom of the City award.

The time-honoured ceremony makes Freeman a freeman in the City of London.

The award is believed to have originated in the 13th century. It allows Freeman to carry out his trade.

In days gone by, freemen were allowed to herd sheep over London Bridge, but that privilege no longer applies.

Freeman was honoured for his acting and his charitable works.

The 77-year-old Freeman has acted in dozens of films, including “The Shawshank Redemption,” ”Million Dollar Baby,“ ”Driving Miss Daisy“ and ”Unforgiven.“

The ceremony was held Wednesday at London’s Guildhall. It started with Morgan reading the Declaration of a Freeman.