skip to main content
Freemen Answer Charity's Plea For Help

Freemen Answer Charity's Plea For Help

19th December 2019

Durham's freemen have responded to a charity’s “desperate” plea for help to reinforce the success of a ground breaking project launched to reach people of all ages.

Read post
 Clan's Latest “Investment” Gifts Drapers a Baker's Dozen

Clan's Latest “Investment” Gifts Drapers a Baker's Dozen

11th November 2019

Mark and Rachel Vest’s decision to honour their father’s memory, by following him into the Drapers’ Company nearly 20 years after his death, has created what is believed to be a modern-day milestone. When the duo swore their oath of allegiance at the Martinmas Guild Day (November 11th) they swelled the ranks of the Vest clan’s membership of the same company to all an all-time high of 13.

Read post
Plumber's Job Switch Helped End Bank Customers' Cash-Flow Headaches

Plumber's Job Switch Helped End Bank Customers' Cash-Flow Headaches

5th August 2019

Seventy-two-year-old John, the latest city craftsman to join the Plumbers’ Company, lives on the outskirts of Durham with his wife Ivy, and started his working life in 1963 working as an apprentice for Fred Dennison. He stayed for five years before moving on to work for other plumbing companies in Durham.

Read post
Brothers Battle To Trace Family Links to City's Ancient Conflict

Brothers Battle To Trace Family Links to City's Ancient Conflict

5th August 2019

Family folk-lore suggests two brothers’ links with Durham City’s Freemen may stretch back to the 14thcentury Battle of Neville’s Cross. But extensive research into the lineage of James Watson-Lee and younger brother Alex, has only found firm evidence that takes them back to the 1680s.

Read post
Freemen's Generosity Ensures City Volunteers Stay  In The Pink

Freemen's Generosity Ensures City Volunteers Stay In The Pink

4th July 2019

The Durham Pointers, recognised by their distinctive pink tabards, can be seen on the city’s streets every day, in all weathers, offering a warm welcome and directions to the tens of thousands of visitors from across the world who arrive annually between Easter and October.

Read post
May Guild Day

May Guild Day

15th May 2019

May Guild Day was held on Monday 13 May 2019 with the Mayor, Councillor John Lethbridge officiating for the last time, as his term as Mayor ends soon and the Mayor elect Counsellor Katie Corrigan will be in place for the Lammas Guild Day in August.

Read post
​Durham Freemen Award  Rare Accolades

​Durham Freemen Award Rare Accolades

4th February 2019

Two distinguished and widely respected members of Durham’s professional community have been honoured by one of the city’s oldest institutions – after being sworn in as Gentlemen Freemen.

Read post