The actor, born Maurice Micklewhite Jnr in Rotherhithe, south-east London, was presented with his award during a special service conducted by the Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court at the Museum's City Gallery.

BBC: Sir Michael Caine given City of London freedom

At present the British papers are full of stories about an estate in Rotherhithe in south-east London, where the police have been unable to investigate a gang murder because local tenants are terrified to testify.

ECONOMIST: Tony Blair??s big idea | The