Pardon my being a Canucklehead, but what does it mean to be given the freedom of a town?
The possession of the rights and privileges of a freeman of the city; formerly often, and now occasionally, conferred on one not a resident, as a mark of honorary distinction for public services.
I remember one person telling me that they were once listed as having the freedom of the City of London. When I looked up the priviliges, apparently they were permitted to lead their cattle over London Bridge
I am lead to believe that in my hometown, York, a Freeman of the City is also entitled to shoot Scotsmen, dressed in kilts, with a crossbow if said Scotsman is within the City walls.