Honorary Freedoms of the Town

The ancient tradition of giving the Freedom of the Town goes back many years into the Middle Ages. It is probable that the practice started among the thirteen trade guilds of the Town where the main purpose was both to ensure a good quality of goods produced in the Town,  and also to act as a 'closed shop' and keep traders from outside the town from working in Richmond! Each Guild used to appoint 'Searchers' whose equivalent role to-day would be a cross between the British Standards and Weights & Measures Officers.

In recent years it has been given as an honour to recognise particular services given by individuals and groups to the Town.

The Town Council most recently conferred the Honorary Freedom on the Baroness Harris of Richmond and Mrs Katherine Mary Carr at a ceremony attended by friends and civic dignitaries on the 11 May 2004 (above). Previously the freedom had been given to the late Lady Serena James in 1987.

It is interesting to note that the title of honorary freedom is conferred but this does not imply a strictly male preserve indeed the old trade guilds of Richmond at a relatively early stage would admit women normally widows of Freedmen to continue their trade.

These Freedom ceremonies usually take place in the Castle which both gives us a fine backdrop for the event and also reminds us of our history each time we have a freedom parade.

Because of the close connection that the Town has with the three armed services and the close proximity to Catterick the Town has given the Freedom to:

The Green Howards Regiment for many years garrisoned in the town and still have the Regimental Headquarters and Museum in the town.

The Royal Signals Regiment who were garrisoned at Catterick for many years

HMS Richmond with whom the town keep in contact and whose Captain and ships company visit the Town as their schedule allows. HMS Richmond

The RAF Regiment who were stationed at Catterick Airfield for a long period

The Royal Military Police for the special local contribution of 150 Provost Company.

Images below left:

The Royal Military Police exercised their freedom after a presentation to the Provost Marshall, Brigadier C A Findlay MBE by the Mayor Cllr Stuart Parsons on April 2nd 2006.

150 Provost Company RMP marched through the town with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and colours flying, accomanied by the Band of the Northumbrian Volunteers. (1st & 2nd row photos)

click images to enlarge

HMS Richmond exercised their freedom rights in March 2005. (3rd row photos)

The RAF regiment exercised their freedom rights of marching through the town with bayonets fixed and drums playing in 2003. (last row photos)