Freemen of Newcastle

Hereditary Freemen

At the age of 20, any son or daughter of a hereditary freeman may be entitled to be sworn in by the Lord Mayor. 

Prior to 1835 the Freemen enjoyed special rights and had implied duties and liabilities including to defend the city from attack.  Still today, new Freemen must swear to defend the city. 

The coat of arms of the companies of Freeman are displayed on the ceiling of the banqueting hall in the Civic Centre.

Honorary Freemen

This is the highest honour that city council can bestow on an eminent individual or group. 

Unlike a hereditary freeman, its status cannot be passed on. 

The names of all honorary freemen are carved into the walls of the banqueting hall in the Civic Centre. 

Councillors, residents and organisations in the city can nominate someone to become an honorary freeman, which will be assessed by the council's Constitutional Committee.