Since the very first day Dr Maurizio Bragagni has felt in love with the UK, he moved to the London’s City where he was -and still is- one of its few residents. The fact that he had always lived in the City, adhering to its daily life, made him a Freeman of the City.
The medieval term ‘freeman’ meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city were often free – hence the term ‘freedom’ of the City.
The Freedom of the City of London was, in the earliest times of the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, an essential requirement for all who wished to carry on business and prosper in trade within the Square Mile.
Being a freeman of the city means defending the Queen’s peace, following the detailed code of honour, and living a life that is worth and allows you to keep your head held high. This is part of the oath each freeman takes before the Order of the Master representing the Lord of the City. It also imply to always think not only to what is wise and right, but also to what is honourable, spending time and money to commit to charitable purposes of the city in association with the City’s guils.
Dr Bragagni is member of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London, a large association of almost 2,000 members with a special interest in the City. The guild support the City by contributing to its welfare, celebrating its heritage and helping to shape its future, while enjoying an active social programme. The purposes of the guild are to propose its members a diverse social programme including events with privileged access and insights, support charitable activities, and promoting its role in the government of today’s City. Among other benefits, being part of the guild gives you the possibility to be elected as Lord of the City.
Dr Bragagni has been appointed “Founder Liverymen of the Company of Communicators“, which is part of the ‘Livery’ – the City of London’s trades associations and Guilds that contributes to society through charitable giving and by promoting the communication professions, including public relations, public affairs, corporate, external, and internal communications. With some 150 members, the Company and its Members value integrity, trust, fellowship, inclusivity, and diversity.
Dr Bragagni’s life is closely connected to the life of the City. He stated: “Italy is my country, the City of London is my downtown”. This is strenghtened also by the fact that he decided to get his MBA at the CASS Business school, the University of the City where, today, he also exercises as professor.