Honorary Freedom of the City

Honorary Freedom of the City

 

DateGranted to
March 2023Stevie Wonder In recognition that not only is he globally recognised as a pioneer across many genres of music he is also a renowned activist for social and political causes and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. 
March 2022Shaka Hislop  In recognition that he used his status as a black professional football player at Newcastle United Football Club to make a difference by challenging racism in football, the city and society.
September 2021Bishop Christine Hardman  In recognition of her eminent service to the City, her work with both the North of Tyne Combined Authority Inclusive Economy Board and the North East Child Poverty Commission and especially her active involvement with local communities.
March 2020Councillor George Alfred Allison  In recognition of the eminent service and contribution that he has made to the City in over 30 years as a Councillor in Byker.
April 2017Bruce Shepherd OBE  In recognition of his commitment in supporting the community, his support of charities and his contribution to business and economic growth of the city.
April 2017Freddy Shepherd   In recognition of his tireless work promoting the city, creating jobs and contribution to the local economy and generous support to local charities. 
February 2017Royal Air Force Boulmer   In recognition of the strong historical links between Newcastle and the Royal Air Force going back to World War 1 and World War 2 and to demonstrate the City’s appreciation of the unique commitment of RAF Boulmer.
February 2017The Little Sisters of the Poor In recognition of the Little Sisters unique commitment to the elderly in Newcastle in this the 150th Anniversary of The Little Sisters of the Poor providing care for the elderly at St Joseph's Home, Elswick, Newcastle
February 2017Michael Harrison   In recognition of his remarkable achievement as producer of the most successful and popular pantomimes in the country here in Newcastle, bringing distinction and box office success to the Theatre Royal, and for his record as a producer of major musicals. 
September 2016Professor Chris Brink  In recognition of his service to the university and the city and his twin legacies of civic engagement and scientific excellence in Newcastle upon Tyne.
May 2016Olivia Grant, OBE  To honour the dedication of a local woman who is an inspirational advocate for Newcastle and has enriched the city by helping people to prosper.
May 2016Sir Leonard Fenwick, CBE To honour his leadership in producing services excellence and building positive relationships with the public, partners and healthcare staff.
February 2016Sir Terry Farrell, CBE  In recognition of his work an eminent British architect and urban designer who is widely considered to be the UK's leading architect planner.
February 2016Brendan Foster, CBE  To honour a local hero who continues to champion Newcastle's interests and supports many charitable causes through his entrepreneurial spirit and sporting endeavours.
September 2013Professor Peter Higgs   In recognition of his work in the field of particle physics and the successful prediction of the existence of a new particle, one that gave everything mass - the Higgs boson particle.

March 2011

Withdrawn - February 2018

Aung San Suu Kyi  In recognition of her longstanding campaign in support of human rights and freedom of speech.
September 2009Greggs Plc  In recognition of their contribution to the economy of the city and region since the 1930's and their support for charitable causes over the past 20 years.
November 2008King Harald of Norway  To mark the 40th anniversary of the official opening of the Civic Centre by his father HM King Olaf V and to recognise and celebrate the close links between Newcastle and Norway over many years
July 2007Rington’s Tea In recognition of their contribution to the economy of the city over the past 100 years.
May 2006Mr Hari Shukla  In recognition of the contribution he has made to many facets of life in the city and the region for over thirty years, particularly in terms of higher education, inter-faith matters and community relations.
May 2006Lord Harry Woolf  In recognition of his efforts to promote legal, constitutional and prison reform in his capacity as the former Lord Chief Justice of England and Master of the Rolls.
May 2006Miss Joan Silcox, MBE  In recognition of her unstinting support for local charities for more than twenty years, in this the designated Year of the Volunteer.
March 2005Sir Bobby Robson  In recognition of his long and outstanding career across Europe, his role as an ambassador for the North East and Newcastle, and his contribution to the culture and life of the city
December 2003Jonny Wilkinson  In recognition of his sporting achievements and in particular, the key role which he has played in England's Rugby World Cup success in Australia, enhancing the reputation of the city and the country.
December 2000Jonathan Edwards, CBE In recognition of his sporting achievements including winning a gold medal at the Sydney Olympic Games which have raised national interest in athletics as well as enhancing the reputation of the city.
December 2000Alan Shearer  In recognition of his role as Captain of Newcastle United Football Club and as former Captain of England which have enhanced the reputation of the city.
December 2000The Sage Group Plc  In recognition of their position as the Region's only FTSE 100 company and for their contribution to the economic regeneration of the city.
December 2000The Right Honourable Lord Glenamara, CH  In recognition of his eminent and outstanding public service as former Member of Newcastle City Council, former MP for Newcastle Central Constituency, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Deputy Prime Minister and currently Chancellor of the University of Northumbria at Newcastle.
December 2000The Right Honourable Nicholas Hugh Brown   In recognition of his eminent and outstanding public service as a former Member of Newcastle City Council, former parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and currently as Cabinet Member and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
February 2000Rachel Isobel Somerville  Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
February 2000Jordan Rose Nicholson  Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
February 2000Kieran Paul Crump  Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
February 2000Lewis John White  Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
February 2000Nathan Lee Douglas Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
February 2000Dillan Richard Horsburgh  Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
February 2000Harriet Jean Dunlop  Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000.
April 1998Councillor Theresa Science Russell  In recognition of 50 years eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city.
October 1997Royal Shakespeare Company In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the city and the Region through their association with the Theatre Royal over the last 21 years.
April 1995Councillor Sir Jeremy Hugh Beecham, MA, DCL In recognition of eminent and outstanding service rendered to the city for 17 years as leader of the City Council during the period May 1977 to December 1994.
May 1993Newcastle United Football Club  In recognition of over 100 years' sporting achievement in the Football League and FA Cup and European competitions and of the Club's contribution to the reputation of the City and its place in the hearts of Geordies everywhere.
July 1992Lord Taylor of Gosforth, The Lord Chief Justice of England "In recognition of his eminent and outstanding achievements.
July 1989St John Ambulance Northumbria  In recognition of their outstanding service to the local community for over 100 years and their continuing commitment to the provision of voluntary medical care in the future.
July 1989The Royal Marines  In recognition since 1664 of their true and loyal service in which Corps many distinguished men of Newcastle upon Tyne, including Lord Collingwood, have served (and in particular recognising the service to the City of Royal Marines Reserve Tyne); that the Council confers upon the Royal Marines the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the City on all ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing.
April 1986Bob Geldof  In recognition of his eminent and outstanding work in initiating financial and practical measures for Third World famine relief not only by personal effort but by raising national awareness of the severe plight and needs of underdeveloped countries.
April 1986Andrei Sakharov In recognition of his services to the cause of freedom.
April 1986Nelson Mandela  In recognition of his services to the cause of freedom.
October 1985Royal Naval Reserve (Tyne Division) In recognition of 80 years connection with and service to the city; that the Council confers upon the Division the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the city on all ceremonial occasions with bands playing.
July 1984201 (Northern) General Hospital Royal Army Medical Corps.  (volunteers) In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Medical School of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (founded in 1834 as the School of Medicine and Surgery), many of whose officers have been graduates of the School; that the Council confer upon the Unit the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the City on all ceremonial occasions with bands playing.
June 1982David Scott Cowper, FRICS  In recognition of his eminent and outstanding achievements in twice circumnavigating the world single handed.
June 1982Daisy Dorothy Clarke, MBE  In recognition of her eminent and outstanding achievement in raising over £1million for the Charlie Bear Whole Body Scanner Appeal.
January 1980101 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment Royal Artillery (volunteers) In recognition of 120 years' connection with and service to the City; that the Council confers upon the Regiment the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the City on all ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing.
January 1980Councillor William Harding, FCA  In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city.
January 1980Councillor Thomas Watson Collins  In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city.
January 1980Councillor Mrs Margaret Collins, JP  In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city.
January 1980County Councillor Arthur Grey, CBE  In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city.
January 1980Councillor Henry Russell, MB, BS, DPH, BHy   In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city.
January 1980Jackie Milburn  In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements.
January 1980Colonel George Brown, OBE, TD, DL  In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements.
January 1980Professor Sir John Walton, TD, MA, DSc, FRCP  In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements.
January 1980His Eminence Basil Cardinal Hume, Archbishop of Westminster   In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements.
March 1978Captain, Officers and Ship’s Company of H.M.S Newcastle  In recognition of the long association of ships of Her Majesty's Royal Navy bearing the name of the City, the names of the Captain, Officers and Ship's Company of H.M.S Newcastle
May 1977Jimmy Carter, thirty ninth President of the United States of America In recognition of his eminent services for the furtherance of friendship between nations and on the occasion of his historic visit to the city."
May 197215th/19th King’s Royal Hussars Association with the City.
January 1969The Northumberland Hussars  Association with the City.
September 1968King Olav the Fifth of Norway Advancement of friendship between the City and Norway.
December 1966Mrs Gladys Robson, JP  Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty).
December 1966Dame Catherine Campbell Scott, DBE, JP  Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty).
December 1966Mrs Violet Hardisty Grantham Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty).
December 1966William McKeag, Esq.  Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty).
December 1957John Chapman, Esq., MBE  Exceptional and outstanding public service as a Member of the Council for 45 years.
February 1948The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers  Association with the City.
March 1940David Adams, Esq., JP, MP  Distinguished services as a Member of the Council for 35 years. 
March 1940Richard Mayne, Esq., JP Eminent service as Member of the Council for 35 years.
July 1939Commander Sir Charles Wothington Craven, OBE, RN  Distinguished service to the City and Country.
July 1939William Bramble, Esq. DL, JP Exceptional and outstanding public services as an Alderman.
June 1937Sir Arthur Maule Oliver, OBE, MA  Eminent and devoted service as Town Clerk for 30 years.
May 1936The Right Honourable George Lansbury, PC, MP  Distinguished service to the country and long-serving Member of Parliament for the City.
May 1936Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland, Bart, KBE, DL, DCL, JP Exceptional and outstanding public services to the City and long-serving Member of the Council.
September 1930Hugh Morton, DL, JP  Exceptional and outstanding public service as a Member of the Council for nearly 50 years.
July 1930Sir George Lunn, DL, DCL, JP  Distinguished service as a Member of the Council for 29 years particularly in the cause of education.
July 1930The Right Honourable Arthur Henderson, PC, MP  Distinguished services as Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
May 1926John Henry Watson, Esq.   Services to the City as Secretary of Children’s Societies.
October 1925Admiral The Earl Jellicoe of Scapa, GCB, OM, GCVO Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War.         
April 1919Monsieur le Marechal Foch  Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War.
April 1919Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, KT, GCB, GCVO, KCIE  Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War.
April 1919Admiral Sir David Beatty, GCB, GCVO, DSO  Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War.
February 1919Major-General Sir Robert Arundel Kerr Montgomery, KCMG, CB, DSO Distinguished military career and eminent public services to the City during the war as General Officer Commanding the Tyne Garrison.
September 1918The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, Prime Minister Services to the nation as Prime Minister
October 1917General The Right Honourable Jan Christiaan Smuts, KC Services to the Empire in the establishment of the Union of South Africa and his eminent military service.
March 1914Sir Joseph Wilson Swan Knight, FRS  Distinguished services in the cause of science and the invention of the incandescent electric lamp.
March 1914The Honourable Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, KCB, FRS  Distinguished services in the cause of science and the invention of the steam turbine engine.
October 1913The Right Honourable Sir Edward Grey, Baronet, KG Services to the Empire as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
December 1912Sir Joseph Baxter Ellis  First Lord Mayor and for Public Services as a Member of the Council for 32 years.
November 1911The Right Honourable Thomas Burt, PC, MP, DCL  In recognition of his eminent services as Captain of industry by conciliation and arbitration of trade disputes and improvements to the conditions of the mining community and his advocacy of international peace.
October 1910Sir William Haswell Stephenson, DL DCL  Numerous benefactions and public service as a member of the Council for 40 years.
July 1910Sir Andrew Noble, Baronet, KCB  Distinguished services to the City in the cause of science.
May 1909Thomas Richardson, DCL  Public services to the City as Member of the Council for 32 years.
March 1909William John Sanderson, Esq. Public services to the City.
October 1906Henry William Newton, Esq.  Public services to the City as a Member of the Council for 40 years.
September 1904Alexander Laing, Esq.  Gift of Art Gallery to the City.
March 1903Major-General Robertson Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, CB     In recognition of his heroic defence of Mafeking and to the Empire.
August 1901Citizens of Newcastle upon Tyne who volunteered and served with the British Army in the South African War. Eminent services to the Empire.
May 1901William Armstrong Watson-Armstrong, Esq.   In recognition of his great philanthropy.
July 1899Field Marshal The Right Honourable Viscount Wolseley  Commander in Chief of the Army, in recognition of his distinguished military career and eminent services to the Empire.
January 1894General The Right Honourable Lord Roberts, VC  In recognition of distinguished military career and eminent services to the Empire.
August 1891The Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone Eminence as a man of letters and distinguished services to this country.
October 1890Charles Fredric Hamond Eminent services to the City and long-serving Alderman.
May 1890Henry Morton Stanley, Esq.  Distinguished service to the country by explorations and discoveries in Africa.
September 1886Sir William George Armstrong, CB   Great scientific attainments, eminent services and benefactions to the City.
 The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 removed the right of Boroughs to confer these honours, but this privilege was restored under the Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act of 1885
January 1833James Losh, Esq.  Recorder
November 1827The Most Honorable Charles William, Marquis of Londonderry
September 1827Arthur, Duke of Wellington
August 1822His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex
June 1818Hugh, Duke of Northumberland  Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the County of Northumberland and of the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne
June 1796His Highness Prince Frederick of Gloucester
June 1795His Royal Highness, The Duke of York
October 1771Christopher Fawcett   Recorder
August 1771His Royal Highness Frederick, Duke of Cumberland
September 1760William Gibson  Town Clerk
April 1757The Right Honorable William Pitt  and  The Right Honorable Bilson Legge
May 1753Hugh, Earl of Northumberland
September 1742The Honorable James Lumley  Brother to the Earl of Scarborough
September 1742Thomas, Earl of Scarborough
September 1738Edward Collingwood, Esq.  Recorder
January 1737William Anysley
July 1733Richard, Earl of Scarborough
January 1725Martin Bryson   Stationer
September 1707John Cuthbert, Esq.  Recorder
October 1699John Ord
September 1697Baldwin Conyers  son of Sir John Conyers
September 1697St John Conyers  Bart
September 1696George Johnson Master Mariner at request of Trinity House
September 1685Henry Lambton, Esq.  Deputy Recorder
September 1683William Ramsay   Goldsmith
October 1681Robert Mitford  one of his relatives having been a Magistrate of the Corporation
August 1681Lionell Vane, Esq.   Grandson of Lionell Maddison at one time one of the Aldermen of the Town
September 1674George Johnson  Gentleman
July 1674Wm. Lilburne, Esq
April 1674John Cockburn  by desire of the Duke of Lauderdale
December 1672James Aire Pilot of His Majesty King Charles Ship.  Admitted by desire of the King
October 1672John, Duke of Lauderdale
June 1667The Right Honorable Henry, Earl of Ogle
September 1665Sir William Forster Knight
September 1662The Honorable Colonel Edward Villiers  Governor of Tynemouth Castle
July 1660Francis Nicholls  Major to His Excellency Lord General Monks Regiment of Foot
February 1660Thomas Parles  Yeoman
September 1657Sir Thomas Widdrington   Speaker of the House of Commons, his eldest son
January 1655Colonel Charles Howard  Major General of the Four Northern Counties
August 1654William Hilton  Nephew of Samuel Rand, Townes Physician
January 1653Thomas Bantiff  Granted at the personal request of Mr Ald Brandling for his trouble and in connection with the town affairs in London.
November 1652Mr Sidenham Master of Magdalene Hospital
August 1652John Rushforth  for his good services
January 1652Edmon Styole Pullin Maker
September 1649Sir Arthur Haselrigge, Bart  Governor of the Town
April 1645Richard Barvis and Robert Fenwick, Esquires  Commrs. from the Parliament
April 1645The Honorable Sir William Armyn, Knight and Baronet
September 1643Sir George Baker, Knight Recorder
September 1642William, Earl of Newcastle

 

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