Navy Freedom of Entry Print
Tuesday, 07 July 2009 00:30

In medieval times in Europe, Freedom of Entry to a City underlined the bonds of friendship between citizens and an armed force and carried with it the expectation that the armed body accorded the honour would help protect the city.

Throughout Europe many land-owning nobles had their own companies of armed men to protect against attack and looting; armed bodies travelling the countryside were rarely admitted into other cities.

In special cases and often for mutual protection, some armies were allowed the special privilege of freedom of entry to the city ‘with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and in full panoply or regalia’.

This ancient tradition persists to this day, and, at 10am on 11 July, the Navy will be exercising its right of Freedom of Entry to Darwin.

The verification of the right and the parade will take place along Knuckey Street.