Until recently, local Councils (including Barnard Castle Town Council) were not allowed to confer honorary titles on their citizens. That situation has now been rectified, with legislation allowing the Town Council to adopt procedures to confer the honorary titles of Freeman or Freewoman on suitable persons.

The first two people honoured in this way were two ex-Councillors, Michael Wheeler and Alan Wilkinson, but the opportunity is there for any member of the local community to be nominated for the honorary position. However, the honour will only be awarded on rare and exceptional occasions.

In September 2017 four further citizens were honoured: Mr John Watson, Rev John Moore, Mr John Hinchcliffe BEM & Mrs Marie Yarker.

Until recently, local Councils (including Barnard Castle Town Council) were not allowed to confer honorary titles on their citizens. That situation has now been rectified, with legislation allowing the Town Council to adopt procedures to confer the honorary titles of Freeman or Freewoman on suitable persons.

The first two people honoured in this way were two ex-Councillors, Michael Wheeler and Alan Wilkinson, but the opportunity is there for any member of the local community to be nominated for the honorary position. However, the honour will only be awarded on rare and exceptional occasions.

In September 2017 four further citizens were honoured: Mr John Watson, Rev John Moore, Mr John Hinchcliffe BEM & Mrs Marie Yarker.

Further information on the Honorary Freeman Scheme can be viewed in the Policies and Procedures section of our website.