Northampton Saints legend Courtney Lawes was today awarded the Freedom of the Town by Northampton Town Council.
The 34-year-old was honoured alongside another Northampton sporting icon, world champion boxer Chantelle Cameron, during a ceremony at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Lawes and Cameron are now an Honorary Freeman and Freewoman of the town, receiving their awards from the Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Stephen Hibbert.
The granting of the Freedom of the Town is the highest honour a town council can bestow upon an individual, group, or organisation. The practice dates back to Medieval times and the title of ‘Freeman’ once allowed special privileges.
In the modern day, it is a symbolic honour, with a ceremonial scroll presented and the names of Freemen and Freewomen listed at the Town Hall.
“I feel honoured and very proud to be acknowledged in such a prestigious way in my hometown, which is also home to Saints – who I have played for throughout my career,” said Lawes.
“I’m still excited to represent Northampton at Club level and for what is yet to come for me on the pitch, but having recently retired from international rugby with England, this is a fitting way to mark the end of an era.
“I’ve always just been myself throughout my rugby career, and I’m glad I’ve been able to put some smiles on people’s faces along the way.”
Courtney Lawes
“It’s fantastic to have my friends, family, coaches and Saints teammates here with me today; these people have all been instrumental in my success, so to share this moment with them is very special.”
The event – organised in partnership with Northampton Town Council, Northampton Saints and boxing promoters Matchroom – also welcomed family and friends of the stars, as well as students from selected local primary and secondary schools, who enjoyed community rugby and boxing sessions and an audience with the famous new Freeman and Freewoman.
Cllr Stephen Hibbert, the Mayor of Northampton, said: “We are delighted to be able to honour not one, but two eminent athletes, who have excelled in their respective sports and put Northampton firmly on the map with their world-class achievements.
“Courtney Lawes is one of the most prolific international rugby players of our time and Chantelle Cameron is a world champion fighter, shining a light on women’s boxing.
“Today’s ceremony is a celebration of their significant contribution and an opportunity for young people to try these sports and hopefully be inspired for the future.”
Cllr Stephen Hibbert, Mayor of Northampton
“We are grateful to Saints for hosting us at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and also to Matchroom for delivering boxing sessions.”
The Freeman roll, which is a historical record containing the names of individuals who hold the status in a town, has been kept in Northampton since the 12th to 13th centuries.
Lawes and Cameron join an illustrious list of Northamptonians who have become honorary Freemen and Freewomen of the town – including shoemaker Sir Philip Manfield, composer Malcolm Arnold, and Princess Diana.
Chantelle Cameron added: “This is a massive honour. As someone who is born and bred in Northampton, this is a really special moment for me and my family. I couldn’t be prouder.
“Although the result didn’t go my way last month in Dublin, my dream is to fight here in Northampton for a world title in front of my home fans.
“Thank you to the Town Council, the Mayor, Matchroom Boxing and everyone who has supported me every step of the way. I’ll be back with my belts very soon, I can promise you that.”
