Residents are warmly invited to witness a landmark moment in Bishop Auckland’s history on Tuesday 4 August at 5.30pm, as Bishop Auckland Town Council hosts its first-ever Freedom of the Town Ceremony.
This prestigious civic honour, the highest award the Town Council can bestow, will be formally conferred for the very first time, marking a significant milestone in the town’s history.
While the ceremony itself is by invitation only, members of the public are encouraged to gather along the pathway from the Clock Tower at Auckland Palace to the Palace gates, to witness the ceremonial arrival of Dame Susan Snowdon DCVO and Dr Robert McManners, who will become the first recipients of the Freedom of the Town of Bishop Auckland.
The distinguished guests will arrive at the clock tower in a Rolls-Royce generously loaned by Kynren, before travelling along to Auckland Palace gates and St Peter’s Chapel. They will be accompanied by the Town Clerk and a guest Town Crier, creating a ceremonial procession for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Freedom of the Town is an ancient civic honour, awarded in recognition of exceptional service, dedication, and contribution to the community. Although the historic privileges once associated with the honour are no longer practiced, it remains one of the highest forms of civic recognition a council can bestow.
Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Michael Siddle, said:
“This is a truly historic moment for Bishop Auckland. Not only are we celebrating the exceptional contributions of our recipients, but we are also establishing a new civic tradition for our town. I encourage residents to come along, witness the ceremonial procession and help mark a day that will become part of Bishop Auckland’s history.”
Town Clerk Sarah Harris added:
“The Freedom of the Town represents the highest esteem in which our community can hold an individual or organisation. Although the ceremony itself is not open to the public, we are delighted to invite residents to witness the arrival of our recipients and share in this proud and historic moment for Bishop Auckland.”
Dame Susan Snowdon and Dr Robert McManners will receive their Freedom scrolls and medals at the ceremony before returning outside for official photographs. In a light-hearted nod to the historic origins of the Freedom of the Town, when Freemen were granted the right to graze sheep on common land and drive them through the town, photographs will also feature sheep. The Town Crier will then make the formal public announcement to conclude the celebrations.
Bishop Auckland Town Council hopes residents, community groups, local businesses and visitors will come together to celebrate this unique and important civic event and give the recipients a warm Bishop Auckland welcome.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
