The former England cricketer and coach, Micky Stewart, has today been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

Stewart, who was nominated for the Freedom by City of London Corporation elected Member, Gregory Jones QC, and Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, was joined by family members, friends, and former colleagues at his private ceremony at Guildhall.

Ninety-year-old Stewart, who played first-class cricket for Surrey County Cricket Club from 1954 and 1972, appeared in eight Test matches for England between 1962 and 1964. A right-handed batter of note, he was also regarded as an outstanding close catcher.

He served as cricket manager for Surrey from 1979 to 1986 and for England, from 1986 to 1992. Rounding off an illustrious career as one of the game’s most respected figures, Stewart was appointed as director of coaching for the England and Wales Cricket Board, holding the position for five years (1992 – 1997).

Stewart’s son, Alec, a former England captain, scored a Test century at Lord’s in 1991 - watched by his father – and is currently Director of Cricket at Surrey.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Micky Stewart, said:

“I am incredibly proud to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. It is a wonderful honour for myself and my family, and something I could never have predicted.

“I am very fortunate to have been born in London, and to have been able to play all my domestic cricket for Surrey at the Oval in Kennington.

“It is such an honour to be recognised by my home city, and it was a fantastic experience to attend the ceremony with my family and friends.”

City Corporation Elected Member, Gregory Jones QC, said:

“It was my pleasure to nominate Micky for the Freedom of the City of London, and to spend time with him and his guests at today’s ceremony.

“A remarkable sportsman and a true gentleman, his prowess on the cricket ground was his gift to us, his club, and his country, and his Freedom award today is our gift to him.”

Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons, said:

“As well as earning his place in the sun, it is entirely appropriate that Micky Stewart should join the list of distinguished cricketers who have been admitted into the Freedom, including Eoin Morgan, Roland Butcher, Sir Andrew Strauss, and Ebony Rainford Brent.

“I am sure that Micky and his guests will have very fond memories of today’s ceremony for many years to come, and be assured of the great affection in which he is held.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients, who were also required to join a Livery Company, to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

ENDS