Bishop Auckland Town Council thanks everyone who attended the town’s first-ever Freedom of the Town Ceremony, making the historic occasion a memorable celebration for the whole community.
Residents lined the boardwalk from the Clock Tower at Auckland Palace to the Wyatt Arch to witness the ceremonial arrival of Dame Susan Snowdon DCVO and Dr Robert McManners OBE DL, who became the first recipients of the Freedom of the Town of Bishop Auckland.
The recipients arrived in a Rolls-Royce, generously loaned by Kynren, before processing to St Peter’s Chapel accompanied by the Town Clerk, and a guest Town Crier, where they were met by the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Michael Siddle and Lord Lieutenant for County Durham Michael Butterwick.
The newly appointed Bishop of Durham Rick Simpson, welcomed the gathered guests, Councillors and dignitaries to the St Peter’s Chapel for the inaugural celebration. Throughout the ceremony, invited guests, councillors and dignitaries heard the stories of Dame Susan and Dr McManners, and the Mayor them with their Freedom scrolls and Freedom medals before returning outside for official photographs.
In a nod to the historic origins of the Freedom of the Town, the celebrations also featured sheep, reflecting the ancient right once granted to Freemen to graze sheep on common land and drive them through the town. The Town Crier concluded the occasion with the formal public proclamation.
The Freedom of the Town is the highest honour Bishop Auckland Town Council can bestow, recognising exceptional service, dedication, and contribution to the community. The inaugural ceremony marks the beginning of a new civic tradition for the town.
Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Michael Siddle, said:
“We are delighted that so many residents came along to witness this historic occasion and help make it such a special evening. The support shown by our community reflected the importance of this milestone as we honoured two individuals whose contributions to Bishop Auckland have been truly exceptional. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this proud moment in the town’s history.”
Dr Robert McManners, OBE DL said:
“To be one of the very first recipients of the Freedom of Bishop Auckland is a great honour for me and is an award of which I’m very proud. My early involvement in the town’s history was in trying to prevent the loss of the town’s heritage buildings through demolition and the stripping of its historical artistic assets. Latterly the collaborative creation of the Gemini Collection of Mining Art and Mining Art Gallery gives something back to the town. The weight of public support in each case won the day and I would therefore like to dedicate this award to the ‘people power’ of Bishop Auckland.”
Dame Susan Snowdon DCVO added:
“I thank Bishop Auckland Town Council most sincerely for conferring the Freedom of Bishop Auckland. It is an honour of the highest distinction which touches me deeply and I accept with gratitude and respect. It has been a privilege to work with the many organisations and individuals who have worked so hard to shape the future of the town.”
Bishop Auckland Town Council would also like to thank Kynren for the generous loan of the Rolls-Royce, and for bringing their well behaved sheep, Durham City Charter Trust for the loan of the ceremonial robes, the guest Town Crier who had travelled from Somerset to support the event as a friend of Dame Susan, everyone who helped organise the event, and all those who came along to witness this significant civic occasion. The enthusiastic support shown by residents helped make the inaugural Freedom of the Town Ceremony a fitting celebration and a memorable day in Bishop Auckland’s history.
