| Recipient | Date awarded | Reason for award |
|---|---|---|
| YolanDa Brown OBE DL | March 2026 | In recognition of her commitment to Newcastle and the North East, her distinguished national leadership in music and her eminent services to younger people, females and communities in Newcastle and beyond. YolanDa played a key role securing the first ever Mercury Prize outside of London in 2025, and she embodies inclusivity that reflect the values held in Newcastle upon Tyne. |
| Kevin Batey | September 2025 | In recognition of his significant contribution to the work carried out in honour of The Hereditary Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, at the forefront of the vital work carried out across The City’s green spaces and their protection for future generations to benefit from. A man who does not seek personal applause or recognition simply doing what he does better than anyone else ever possibly could. |
| Eddie Howe | May 2025 | In recognition that on 16 March 2025 he oversaw the Newcastle United Football Club’s first domestic trophy success in 70 years when his side beat Liverpool at Wembley in the EFL Carabao Cup. Generations of supporters had never seen their beloved club lift a domestic trophy, and under his leadership all now have treasured memories of a truly unforgettable day. The bus parade and celebratory event on the Town Moor on 29 March 2025 gave Geordies an amazing opportunity to show their love for their club and respect for Eddie Howe. The events had a significant economic impact on the city, as well as on the spirits and wellbeing of local people and cannot be underestimated, nor will they ever be forgotten. |
| Terry Laybourne MBE | January 2025 | In recognition of his significant contribution to the hospitality industry, the culture and the economy of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, for over 36 years. |
| Stevie Wonder | March 2023 | In recognition that not only is he globally recognised as a pioneer across many genres of music he is also a renowned activist for social and political causes and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. |
| Shaka Hislop | March 2022 | In recognition that he used his status as a black professional football player at Newcastle United Football Club to make a difference by challenging racism in football, the city and society. |
| Bishop Christine Hardman | September 2021 | In recognition of her eminent service to the City, her work with both the North of Tyne Combined Authority Inclusive Economy Board and the North East Child Poverty Commission and especially her active involvement with local communities. |
| Councillor George Alfred Allison | March 2020 | In recognition of the eminent service and contribution that he has made to the City in over 30 years as a Councillor in Byker. |
| Bruce Shepherd OBE | April 2017 | In recognition of his commitment in supporting the community, his support of charities and his contribution to business and economic growth of the city. |
| Freddy Shepherd | April 2017 | In recognition of his tireless work promoting the city, creating jobs and contribution to the local economy and generous support to local charities. |
| Royal Air Force Boulmer | February 2017 | In recognition of the strong historical links between Newcastle and the Royal Air Force going back to World War 1 and World War 2 and to demonstrate the City’s appreciation of the unique commitment of RAF Boulmer. |
| The Little Sisters of the Poor | February 2017 | In recognition of the Little Sisters unique commitment to the elderly in Newcastle in this the 150th Anniversary of The Little Sisters of the Poor providing care for the elderly at St Joseph's Home, Elswick, Newcastle. |
| Michael Harrison | February 2017 | In recognition of his remarkable achievement as producer of the most successful and popular pantomimes in the country here in Newcastle, bringing distinction and box office success to the Theatre Royal, and for his record as a producer of major musicals. |
| Professor Chris Brink | September 2016 | In recognition of his service to the university and the city and his twin legacies of civic engagement and scientific excellence in Newcastle upon Tyne. |
| Olivia Grant, OBE | May 2016 | To honour the dedication of a local woman who is an inspirational advocate for Newcastle and has enriched the city by helping people to prosper. |
| Sir Leonard Fenwick, CBE | May 2016 | To honour his leadership in producing services excellence and building positive relationships with the public, partners and healthcare staff. |
| Sir Terry Farrell, CBE | February 2016 | In recognition of his work an eminent British architect and urban designer who is widely considered to be the UK's leading architect planner. |
| Brendan Foster, CBE | February 2016 | To honour a local hero who continues to champion Newcastle's interests and supports many charitable causes through his entrepreneurial spirit and sporting endeavours. |
| Professor Peter Higgs | September 2013 | In recognition of his work in the field of particle physics and the successful prediction of the existence of a new particle, one that gave everything mass - the Higgs boson particle. |
| Aung San Suu Kyi |
March 2011 Withdrawn - February 2018 |
In recognition of her longstanding campaign in support of human rights and freedom of speech. |
| Greggs Plc | September 2009 | In recognition of their contribution to the economy of the city and region since the 1930's and their support for charitable causes over the past 20 years. |
| King Harald of Norway | November 2008 | To mark the 40th anniversary of the official opening of the Civic Centre by his father HM King Olaf V and to recognise and celebrate the close links between Newcastle and Norway over many years. |
| Rington’s Tea | July 2007 | In recognition of their contribution to the economy of the city over the past 100 years. |
| Mr Hari Shukla | May 2006 | In recognition of the contribution he has made to many facets of life in the city and the region for over thirty years, particularly in terms of higher education, inter-faith matters and community relations. |
| Lord Harry Woolf | May 2006 | In recognition of his efforts to promote legal, constitutional and prison reform in his capacity as the former Lord Chief Justice of England and Master of the Rolls. |
| Miss Joan Silcox, MBE | May 2006 | In recognition of her unstinting support for local charities for more than twenty years, in this the designated Year of the Volunteer. |
| Sir Bobby Robson | March 2005 | In recognition of his long and outstanding career across Europe, his role as an ambassador for the North East and Newcastle, and his contribution to the culture and life of the city. |
| Jonny Wilkinson | December 2003 | In recognition of his sporting achievements and in particular, the key role which he has played in England's Rugby World Cup success in Australia, enhancing the reputation of the city and the country. |
| Jonathan Edwards, CBE | December 2000 | In recognition of his sporting achievements including winning a gold medal at the Sydney Olympic Games which have raised national interest in athletics as well as enhancing the reputation of the city. |
| Alan Shearer | December 2000 | In recognition of his role as Captain of Newcastle United Football Club and as former Captain of England which have enhanced the reputation of the city. |
| The Sage Group Plc | December 2000 | In recognition of their position as the Region's only FTSE 100 company and for their contribution to the economic regeneration of the city. |
| The Right Honourable Lord Glenamara, CH | December 2000 | In recognition of his eminent and outstanding public service as former Member of Newcastle City Council, former MP for Newcastle Central Constituency, former Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Deputy Prime Minister and currently Chancellor of the University of Northumbria at Newcastle. |
| The Right Honourable Nicholas Hugh Brown | December 2000 | In recognition of his eminent and outstanding public service as a former Member of Newcastle City Council, former parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and currently as Cabinet Member and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. |
| Rachel Isobel Somerville | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Jordan Rose Nicholson | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Kieran Paul Crump | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Lewis John White | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Nathan Lee Douglas | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Dillan Richard Horsburgh | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Harriet Jean Dunlop | February 2000 | Born in Newcastle on 1st day of January 2000. |
| Councillor Theresa Science Russell | April 1998 | In recognition of 50 years eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city. |
| Royal Shakespeare Company | October 1997 | In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the city and the Region through their association with the Theatre Royal over the last 21 years. |
| Councillor Sir Jeremy Hugh Beecham, MA, DCL | April 1995 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding service rendered to the city for 17 years as leader of the City Council during the period May 1977 to December 1994. |
| Newcastle United Football Club | May 1993 | In recognition of over 100 years' sporting achievement in the Football League and FA Cup and European competitions and of the Club's contribution to the reputation of the City and its place in the hearts of Geordies everywhere. |
| Lord Taylor of Gosforth, The Lord Chief Justice of England | July 1992 | In recognition of his eminent and outstanding achievements. |
| St John Ambulance Northumbria | July 1989 | In recognition of their outstanding service to the local community for over 100 years and their continuing commitment to the provision of voluntary medical care in the future. |
| The Royal Marines | July 1989 | In recognition since 1664 of their true and loyal service in which Corps many distinguished men of Newcastle upon Tyne, including Lord Collingwood, have served (and in particular recognising the service to the City of Royal Marines Reserve Tyne); that the Council confers upon the Royal Marines the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the City on all ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing. |
| Bob Geldof | April 1986 | In recognition of his eminent and outstanding work in initiating financial and practical measures for Third World famine relief not only by personal effort but by raising national awareness of the severe plight and needs of underdeveloped countries. |
| Andrei Sakharov | April 1986 | In recognition of his services to the cause of freedom. |
| Nelson Mandela | April 1986 | In recognition of his services to the cause of freedom. |
| Royal Naval Reserve (Tyne Division) | October 1985 | In recognition of 80 years connection with and service to the city; that the Council confers upon the Division the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the city on all ceremonial occasions with bands playing |
| 201 (Northern) General Hospital Royal Army Medical Corps. (volunteers) | July 1984 | In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Medical School of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (founded in 1834 as the School of Medicine and Surgery), many of whose officers have been graduates of the School; that the Council confer upon the Unit the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the City on all ceremonial occasions with bands playing. |
| David Scott Cowper, FRICS | June 1982 | In recognition of his eminent and outstanding achievements in twice circumnavigating the world single handed. |
| Daisy Dorothy Clarke, MBE | June 1982 | In recognition of her eminent and outstanding achievement in raising over £1million for the Charlie Bear Whole Body Scanner Appeal. |
| 101 (Northumbrian) Field Regiment Royal Artillery (volunteers) | January 1980 | In recognition of 120 years' connection with and service to the City; that the Council confers upon the Regiment the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the City on all ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing. |
| Councillor William Harding, FCA | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city. |
| Councillor Thomas Watson Collins | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city. |
| Councillor Mrs Margaret Collins, JP | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city. |
| County Councillor Arthur Grey, CBE | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city. |
| Councillor Henry Russell, MB, BS, DPH, BHy | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding public service rendered to the city. |
| Jackie Milburn | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements. |
| Colonel George Brown, OBE, TD, DL | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements. |
| Professor Sir John Walton, TD, MA, DSc, FRCP | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements. |
| His Eminence Basil Cardinal Hume, Archbishop of Westminster | January 1980 | In recognition of eminent and outstanding achievements. |
| Captain, Officers and Ship’s Company of H.M.S Newcastle | March 1978 | In recognition of the long association of ships of Her Majesty's Royal Navy bearing the name of the City, the names of the Captain, Officers and Ship's Company of H.M.S Newcastle |
| Jimmy Carter, thirty ninth President of the United States of America | May 1977 | In recognition of his eminent services for the furtherance of friendship between nations and on the occasion of his historic visit to the city. |
| 15th/19th King’s Royal Hussars | May 1972 | Association with the City. |
| The Northumberland Hussars | January 1969 | Association with the City. |
| King Olav the Fifth of Norway | September 1968 | Advancement of friendship between the City and Norway. |
| Mrs Gladys Robson, JP | December 1966 | Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty). |
| Dame Catherine Campbell Scott, DBE, JP | December 1966 | Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty). |
| Mrs Violet Hardisty Grantham | December 1966 | Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty). |
| William McKeag, Esq. | December 1966 | Eminent and outstanding public services and long serving Member of the Council (750th anniversary of Mayoralty). |
| John Chapman, Esq., MBE | December 1957 | Exceptional and outstanding public service as a Member of the Council for 45 years. |
| The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers | February 1948 | Association with the City. |
| David Adams, Esq., JP, MP | March 1940 | Distinguished services as a Member of the Council for 35 years. |
| Richard Mayne, Esq., JP | March 1940 | Eminent service as Member of the Council for 35 years. |
| Commander Sir Charles Wothington Craven, OBE, RN | July 1939 | Distinguished service to the City and Country. |
| William Bramble, Esq. DL, JP | July 1939 | Exceptional and outstanding public services as an Alderman. |
| Sir Arthur Maule Oliver, OBE, MA | June 1937 | Eminent and devoted service as Town Clerk for 30 years. |
| The Right Honourable George Lansbury, PC, MP | May 1936 | Distinguished service to the country and long-serving Member of Parliament for the City. |
| Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland, Bart, KBE, DL, DCL, JP | May 1936 | Exceptional and outstanding public services to the City and long-serving Member of the Council. |
| Hugh Morton, DL, JP | September 1930 | Exceptional and outstanding public service as a Member of the Council for nearly 50 years. |
| Sir George Lunn, DL, DCL, JP | July 1930 | Distinguished service as a Member of the Council for 29 years particularly in the cause of education. |
| The Right Honourable Arthur Henderson, PC, MP | July 1930 | Distinguished services as Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. |
| John Henry Watson, Esq. | May 1926 | Services to the City as Secretary of Children’s Societies. |
| Admiral The Earl Jellicoe of Scapa, GCB, OM, GCVO | October 1925 | Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War. |
| Monsieur le Marechal Foch | April 1919 | Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War. |
| Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, KT, GCB, GCVO, KCIE | April 1919 | Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War. |
| Admiral Sir David Beatty, GCB, GCVO, DSO | April 1919 | Services in the cause of the Allies during the First World War. |
| Major-General Sir Robert Arundel Kerr Montgomery, KCMG, CB, DSO | February 1919 | Distinguished military career and eminent public services to the City during the war as General Officer Commanding the Tyne Garrison. |
| The Right Honourable David Lloyd George, Prime Minister | September 1918 | Services to the nation as Prime Minister. |
| General The Right Honourable Jan Christiaan Smuts, KC | October 1917 | Services to the Empire in the establishment of the Union of South Africa and his eminent military service. |
| Sir Joseph Wilson Swan Knight, FRS | March 1914 | Distinguished services in the cause of science and the invention of the incandescent electric lamp. |
| The Honourable Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, KCB, FRS | March 1914 | Distinguished services in the cause of science and the invention of the steam turbine engine. |
| The Right Honourable Sir Edward Grey, Baronet, KG | October 1913 | Services to the Empire as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. |
| Sir Joseph Baxter Ellis | December 1912 | First Lord Mayor and for Public Services as a Member of the Council for 32 years. |
| The Right Honourable Thomas Burt, PC, MP, DCL | November 1911 | In recognition of his eminent services as Captain of industry by conciliation and arbitration of trade disputes and improvements to the conditions of the mining community and his advocacy of international peace. |
| Sir William Haswell Stephenson, DL DCL | October 1910 | Numerous benefactions and public service as a member of the Council for 40 years. |
| Sir Andrew Noble, Baronet, KCB | July 1910 | Distinguished services to the City in the cause of science. |
| Thomas Richardson, DCL | May 1909 | Public services to the City as Member of the Council for 32 years. |
| William John Sanderson, Esq. | March 1909 | Public services to the City. |
| Henry William Newton, Esq. | October 1906 | Public services to the City as a Member of the Council for 40 years. |
| Alexander Laing, Esq. | September 1904 | Gift of Art Gallery to the City. |
| Major-General Robertson Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, CB | March 1903 | In recognition of his heroic defence of Mafeking and to the Empire. |
| Citizens of Newcastle upon Tyne who volunteered and served with the British Army in the South African War. | August 1901 | Eminent services to the Empire. |
| William Armstrong Watson-Armstrong, Esq. | May 1901 | In recognition of his great philanthropy. |
| Field Marshal The Right Honourable Viscount Wolseley | July 1899 | Commander in Chief of the Army, in recognition of his distinguished military career and eminent services to the Empire. |
| General The Right Honourable Lord Roberts, VC | January 1894 | In recognition of distinguished military career and eminent services to the Empire. |
| The Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone | August 1891 | Eminence as a man of letters and distinguished services to this country. |
| Charles Fredric Hamond | October 1890 | Eminent services to the City and long-serving Alderman. |
| Henry Morton Stanley, Esq. | May 1890 | Distinguished service to the country by explorations and discoveries in Africa. |
| Sir William George Armstrong, CB | September 1886 | Great scientific attainments, eminent services and benefactions to the City. |
The Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 removed the right of Boroughs to confer these honours, but this privilege was restored under the Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act of 1885.
| Recipient | Date Awarded |
|---|---|
| James Losh, Esq., Recorder | January 1833 |
| The Most Honorable Charles William, Marquis of Londonderry | November 1827 |
| Arthur, Duke of Wellington | September 1827 |
| His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex | August 1822 |
| Hugh, Duke of Northumberland, Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the County of Northumberland and of the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne | June 1818 |
| His Highness Prince Frederick of Gloucester | June 1796 |
| His Royal Highness, The Duke of York | June 1795 |
| Christopher Fawcett, Recorder | October 1771 |
| His Royal Highness Frederick, Duke of Cumberland | August 1771 |
| William Gibson, Town Clerk | September 1760 |
| The Right Honorable William Pitt and The Right Honorable Bilson Legge | April 1757 |
| Hugh, Earl of Northumberland | May 1753 |
| The Honorable James Lumley, Brother to the Earl of Scarborough | September 1742 |
| Thomas, Earl of Scarborough | September 1742 |
| Edward Collingwood, Esq., Recorder | September 1738 |
| William Anysley | January 1737 |
| Richard, Earl of Scarborough | July 1733 |
| Martin Bryson, Stationer | January 1725 |
| John Cuthbert, Esq., Recorder | September 1707 |
| John Ord | October 1699 |
| Baldwin Conyers, son of Sir John Conyers | September 1697 |
| St John Conyers, Bart | September 1697 |
| George Johnson, Master Mariner at request of Trinity House | September 1696 |
| Henry Lambton, Esq., Deputy Recorder | September 1685 |
| William Ramsay, Goldsmith | September 1683 |
| Robert Mitford, one of his relatives having been a Magistrate of the Corporation | October 1681 |
| Lionell Vane, Esq., Grandson of Lionell Maddison at one time one of the Aldermen of the Town | August 1681 |
| George Johnson, Gentleman | September 1674 |
| Wm. Lilburne, Esq | July 1674 |
| John Cockburn, by desire of the Duke of Lauderdale | April 1674 |
| James Aire, Pilot of His Majesty King Charles Ship. Admitted by desire of the King | December 1672 |
| John, Duke of Lauderdale | October 1672 |
| The Right Honorable Henry, Earl of Ogle | June 1667 |
| Sir William Forster, Knight | September 1665 |
| The Honorable Colonel Edward Villiers, Governor of Tynemouth Castle | September 1662 |
| Francis Nicholls, Major to His Excellency Lord General Monks Regiment of Foot | July 1660 |
| Thomas Parles, Yeoman | February 1660 |
| Sir Thomas Widdrington, Speaker of the House of Commons, his eldest son | September 1657 |
| Colonel Charles Howard, Major General of the Four Northern Counties | January 1655 |
| William Hilton, Nephew of Samuel Rand, Townes Physician | August 1654 |
| Thomas Bantiff, Granted at the personal request of Mr Ald Brandling for his trouble and in connection with the town affairs in London | January 1653 |
| Mr Sidenham, Master of Magdalene Hospital | November 1652 |
| John Rushforth, for his good services | August 1652 |
| Edmon Styole Pullin, Maker | January 1652 |
| Sir Arthur Haselrigge, Bart, Governor of the Town | September 1649 |
| Richard Barvis and Robert Fenwick, Esquires, Commrs. from the Parliament | April 1645 |
| The Honorable Sir William Armyn, Knight and Baronet | April 1645 |
| Sir George Baker, Knight, Recorder | September 1643 |
| William, Earl of Newcastle | September 1642 |