Who said it was only a game? When Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson stepped up to receive his freedom of the city award on Monday night, he left the pantheon of sporting heroes and joined a far more distinguished clique.

Fergie's name is inscribed on a wall of honour outside the council chamber in Manchester town hall, alongside other noted "freemen" of the city including Winston Churchill, Clement Atlee, Woodrow Wilson and Field Marshall Montgomery.

But contrary to popular perception, there are no hidden liberties for the man who led United to unprecedented soccer success last season, as treble winners of the FA Cup, League Champions and European Champions.

In fact, there is not even a ceremonial key - merely a certificate and a special gift. Despite the grand title, Sir Alex, already a freeman of Glasgow and Aberdeen, is no more "free" post-ceremony than beforehand.

The honour of "freedom of the city" is one bestowed by cities around the world on notable residents, statesmen, military heroes and others.

Its origins lie in the control of employment practices in medieval times. Craftsmen and women throughout Europe were organised into trade guilds, later liveries, which required workers to sign up as freemen.

A guild, a primitive cross between a trade association and union, would strictly regulate members through patronage.

Free from tolls

The term comes from the fact freemen had specific trading rights and privileges, such as exemption from tolls, that set them above the majority.

In the City of London, the oldest local authority in England, the scheme dates back to 1237, and continues today, albeit for ceremonial purposes only.

"It was a nice little earner for the City for a long time," says Caroline Arnold, author of Sheep Over London Bridge: the Freedom of the City of London.

Only freemen were allowed to vote and evidence suggests they avoided bridge and other tolls, hence the (now misplaced) belief that a freeman can take a flock of sheep over London Bridge.

By the early 19th Century, the ever-growing population made the practice unworkable and in 1835 trade and franchise restrictions were abolished.

However, the city still retains some of its livery companies, which promote and support their relevant trades. And although applications for "freedom of the city" tailed off with the repeal of legislation, interest has been revived.

Today, about 1,800 admissions are granted each year. Anyone over the age of 21, and of "good character" can apply, under the rule of redemption.

'Absolutely irrelevant'

Applications cost �25 and two serving liverymen are needed as referees. Mostly though it is a hollow honour, says Ms Arnold: "It's absolutely irrelevant. The liveries would get on perfectly well without it."

Presentation ceremonies are performed daily and recipients must swear an oath to the Queen and the Lord Mayor. In return they receive a document of "sheepskin parchment", a book entitled Rules for the Conduct of Life and the title Citizen of London.

Otherwise, the only two "privileges" arise after death - there is a school for freemen's orphans in Surrey and an almshouse for their widows in south-west London.

Honorary freedoms, presented to individuals "of good name and fame" are more unusual. Presentations are usually made before the Lord Mayor and accompanied by a banquet.

The City presented its first honorary freedom to William Pitt the Elder in 1757. Other notable inductees include Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.

The privileges have been abolished. At least, that is if they ever existed in the first place, says Ms Arnold.

"It's unclear what rights freemen really had. It seems there is a measure of truth in the assumption a freeman could be exempt from military service."

But others, such as the right to go about the city with a drawn sword, the right to be hanged by a silken rope, the right to drive sheep over London Bridge, the right to be drunk and disorderly in the City, the right to be married in St Paul's Cathedral and buried with the City, may always have been in the realms of folklore.