We are Durham City Freemen

The Freemen of Durham are the members of the eight Guilds or Companies comprising Barbers, Butchers, Cordwainers, Curriers, Drapers, Joiners, Masons and Plumbers. These Guilds are all that remain of the sixteen in the Middle Ages of which there is written evidence going back as far as 1450.

Our Story

MANN MAKES HIS MARQUE

PARLIAMENT PRAISES NORTH EAST PUB-BASED CANCER CRUSCADE

PAWS FOR APPLAUSE! DURHAM DOG SHOW DRAWS CROWDS AND RAISES OVER £2,000 FOR ANIMAL RESCUE

Introducing our New Freeman – Eric Barlow

Durham City Freemen’s Apprentice Awards 2026

Introducing Susanah Steenkamp Continuing a Proud Family Tradition

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MANN MAKES HIS MARQUE

17 October 2026

Steve Mann, Durham masons’ guild member and local cathedral stone mason has created works of art from stone, and he continues to develop his skills…

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Next Event

2 November 2026

Martinmas Guild Day 2026

2 November 2026 11:00 · Guild Hall, Durham Town Hall

The meetings are always on a Monday and begin at 11.00 am. Guild Days are presided over by the Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Durham. All Freemen their families and the general public are most welcome. Calls for new members and subsequent inauguration take place on Guild Days.

For more information on this event click here