Professor in Food Service and Applied Nutrition at BU, Heather Hartwell, was recently awarded Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Cooks, as one of the first women to do so from a professional perspective which is called by redemption.

When collecting her award last week, Heather said “It’s a great privilege to be recognised as influential within the field of food and food service.  I look forward to being able to drive my sheep across London Bridge, which is one of the perks of being a Freeman of the City of London!”

The smallest of London’s Livery Companies by Liverymen, the Worshipful Company of Cooks can trace its origins back to the 12th Century. Thirty-fifth in order of seniority in the City Livery Companies, it was founded from two guilds of cooks in medieval London – the Cooks of Eastcheap and the Cooks of Bread Street. Its membership today still includes craft tradesmen, and its activities engage with a broad range of organisations associated with cooking.

The Company’s purpose in recent years is to contribute as effectively as it can to the pursuit of a good society – to be socially useful. The Cooks’ Company is as vital today – actively supporting the modern day craft and catering industry, as well as funding a range of charitable activities.

By: Professor Vanora Hundley