Bangers & Cash TV star Derek Mathewson awarded Freedom of the City of London

Derek Mathewson with his Freedom of the City of London

Derek Mathewson, 71, among the likes of Harry Kane, Ed Sheeran, Colin Firth, and Dame Judi Dench who have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

Thursday 29th June 2023

Derek Mathewson, star of the Yesterday TV programme, Bangers & Cash - which follows the Mathewsons family-run classic car auction business - was today awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

The historic ceremony has previously seen the likes of pop star Ed Sheeran, England football captain Harry Kane, and actors Colin Firth and Dame Judi Dench, offered the City's unique award. One of the City of London Corporation's oldest and proudest traditions, the Freedom remains a unique part of London's history and is believed to have begun in 1237 to enable recipients, who were also required to join a Livery company, to carry out their trade.

Derek Mathewson said,

I am so proud to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. Who would have thought a Kilburn boy from Percy Road would find himself at the historic Guildhall, holding his framed Freedom certificate? I can't wait to walk my sheep over London Bridge!

Derek was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by The Worshipful Company of Carmen - a livery company founded in the 16th century. Extremely proud of its civic history, The Worshipful Company of Carmen is now a charitable organisation.

Meanwhile, Derek and the rest of the Bangers & Cash crew continue to prepare for Bangers & Cash Live. The new live event takes place on Saturday 12th August and Sunday 13th August at Scampston Hall in Malton, North Yorkshire - just a few miles from Mathewsons' Thornton-le-Dale HQ. Tickets and event details are online at: bangersandcashlive.co.uk. All episodes of Bangers & Cash are available to watch on demand on UKTV Play.

For more information and interview requests, please contact:

Dave Barnsby, UKTV Senior Publicity Manager - Dave.Barnsby@uktv.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Derek Mathewson Freedom image available here
Derek Mathewson sheep image available here
Derek Mathewson Bangers & Cash image available here
Bangers & Cash Live poster available here
More images available from the UKTV Pictures Site

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