Only 17 Honorary Freeman of Gateshead have received the 15th Century title since the borough was formed in 1835.
The honour dates back to the laws of ancient Rome, when it was a capital offence for Roman legions to enter the city in formation, or with weapons without permission. This was meant to ensure that ambitious generals did not mount a military coup against the Senate. Similar laws were passed by cities throughout the medieval era, also to protect civic security and rights, even against their own King's troops
Today, martial freedom of the city is an entirely ceremonial honour.
Those holding the title are:
-
Sister Winifred Laver BEM 30th June 1978
-
Reverend Father Bernard Aloysius Strong 30th June 1978
-
Jonathan Edwards MBE 24th November 2000
-
George Gill CBE 21st June 2002
-
Brendan Foster CBE 20th November 2004
-
Mike Neville MBE 12th October 2006
-
Rt Hon Baroness Quin of Gateshead 12th October 2006
-
Lord Burlison of Rowlands Gill 12th October 2006
-
Mayor Toru Nishimura 20th June 2008
-
Bob Moncur 22nd January 2009
-
David Almond 10th February 2011
-
David Clelland 10th February 2011
-
Sir John Hall 10th February 2011
-
Lady Hall 10th February 2011
-
Ezriel Salomon 10th February 2011
-
72 Engineer Regiment 9th July 2011
-
Professor Paul Younger 8th November 2011
-
Honorary Freedom of the Borough Ceremony - Speech, Councillor Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council