Before 1835, Freemen existed in many boroughs as a constituent part of the Corporation. Freemen enjoyed special rights, dependent on local customs, including rights of pasturage on corporate land and exemptions from certain tolls and dues.
Since the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835, borough councils have continued to be given the power to appoint Freemen, but the law has gradually reduced the privileges associated with that office.
The Local Government Act of 1972 introduced a major change in the powers and structures of local authorities. Borough councils can designate persons of distinction and persons who have rendered eminent services, as Freemen of the Borough. This is usually carried out at a specially convened meeting of the whole council, which includes a ceremony where an illuminated scroll is usually presented to the recipient.
In the situation where a regiment or RAF station is admitted as a Freeman, tradition also allows the military unit to parade in the town with fixed bayonets, a regimental band playing, as well as colours flying.
The Freedom' is the highest tribute that a borough can bestow, and although in modern times it is an honour only and confers no legal rights, Honorary Freemen are invariably invited to take part in all important ceremonial occasions in the borough.
Since the London Borough of Hillingdon was created in 1964, the following individuals have been awarded Freedom of the Borough:
- 1979 - William Darrell Charles JP
- 1981 - George Hooper Esq
- 1987 - Oswald Garvin MBE JP
- 1987 - Ernest Lloyd Ing JP
- 1990 - Simon Gelberg Esq
- 2006 - Edwin Hales Esq
- 2006 - Alfred Langley Esq
- 2006 - Albert Tyrrell MBE JP
- 2007 - Kenneth Guy Esq
- 2007 - Michael Craxton Esq
- 2007 - David Brough Esq
- 2012 - Natasha Baker MBE
- 2014 - Josephine Barrett JP
- 2014 - Paul Harmsworth
- 2014 - Shirley Harper-O'Neill
- 2014 - John Major
- 2014 - Wing Commander (Ret'd) Edna Partridge CVO OBE AE DL
- 2014 - David Payne
- 2014 - Jill Rhodes JP
- 2014 - David Routledge MBE
- 2018 - George Cooper
- 2018 - Catherine Dann
- 2018 - Mohammed Khursheed
- 2022 - Sir Raymond Puddifoot MBE
- 2022 - Jean Palmer OBE
Since the London Borough of Hillingdon was created in 1964, the following Regiments have been awarded Freedom of Entry:
- 1960 - Royal Air Force Uxbridge
- 2000 - Royal Air Force Northolt
- 2007 - 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron