The Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that the council can bestow.
It is a power that is very rarely used and is normally only awarded to local people who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough.
The award of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough does not convey with it any legal rights or responsibilities, other than a ceremonial role at civic functions. The award dates back to the middle ages when Freemen had commercial privileges and a route into a position of power in a town or city.
A list of Honorary Freeman/Freewoman is shown below:
|
Name |
Year |
|---|---|
|
The Marquis of Anglesey GCVO |
1912 |
|
Ald. Thomas Jenkins JP |
1935 |
|
Ald. George Hill JB |
1935 |
|
Ald. Alfred John Thornley JP |
1935 |
|
Ald. John Gretton PC CBE |
1943 |
|
Ald. William Henry Giles JP |
1949 |
|
Ald. William Hutson JP |
1949 |
|
Sir Francis Raymond Evershed PC |
1951 |
|
Ald. Joseph William Clark JP |
1953 |
|
Ald. George Edward Rider |
1960 |
|
Ald. James Henry Jones JP |
1960 |
|
Ald. Horace Leonard Pritchard |
1974 |
|
Ald. Geoffrey Thomas Osborne |
1974 |
|
Staffordshire Fire & Rescue |
1998 |
|
Mr Frederick William Saunders OBE |
2005 |
|
Mr Ben Robinson |
2010 |
|
Mrs Noreen Oliver MBE |
2011 |
|
Burton Amateur Boxing Club |
2012 |
| Adam Peaty | 2016 |
| The Windrush Generation | 2023 |