Lawyer Tessa Street has become the first female freeman of Oxford for 500 years.

Lord Mayor Carole Roberts told Tessa she was "really proud" to be the first Lord Mayor to make a woman freeman as she performed the ceremony to cheers from women in the audience.

But she joked that the group of men standing behind her on the stage at Oxford Town Hall were there 'just in case any of you try anything'.

Tessa took an oath, of which the wording remains unadapted, promising to be responsible for the interests of Oxford, "as another man of the same city is".

She was then presented with a certificate proclaiming her to be a freeman - a title dating back to medieval times. Her new status gives her the right to graze cattle on Port Meadow and fish in the Thames. The last female freeman is thought to have been an arrow-maker in the 15th century.

Fred Ingram, chairman of the Freemen of the City of Oxford, said: "We hope it will not be long before there will be other lady freemen.

"You're here fighting to keep the freedom going, that's why you are freemen of England and Wales.

"You wish to keep this condition and honour alive. There's no doubt about it, everyone who does has to keep up with the times." Tessa, 28, qualified for the honour by being an apprentice to an existing freeman, Oxford solicitor Chris Butterfield, at the firm Mallam and Gowers. She now works in Northampton.

She said after the ceremony: "I feel very privileged and proud to be eligible for the freedom, particularly since I'm the first female to be admitted for 500 or 600 years.

"I'm excited - it's a momentous occasion."

Miss Street said she had been "extremely nervous" before arriving at the Town Hall for the ceremony.

The status was awarded during the Freemen of England and Wales Association's annual conference.

Former Lord Mayor, councillor Bill Baker, was selected as the "Lord Mayor's childe" during the same ceremony.

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