20 March 2013 Last updated at 06:09 ET

Homeland star Damian Lewis has received the freedom of the City of London in recognition of his achievements as an actor.

The London-born actor picked up a Golden Globe award earlier this year for his role as Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody in the hit TV series.

He said the honour was "one of the greatest I've ever received".

The freedom of the City dates back to 1237 and is offered to individuals to celebrate a significant achievement.

Other recent recipients include Sir Michael Caine and London 2012 Paralympian David Weir.

Receiving the award at the City's Guildhall, Lewis said: "It's remarkable, I'm still surprised. I wasn't quite sure if they'd got the right person, so I'm very happy to be here. It's a rare occasion."

Lewis, 42, was educated at Eton College and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from where he graduated in 1993.

The actor, also known for playing Soames Forsyte in ITV's The Forsyte Saga and Major Richard D. Winters in the US mini-series Band Of Brothers, said he felt strongly connected to London.

"I feel like a Londoner through and through actually. London is the greatest city in the world, I think."

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Lewis awarded freedom of London