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.

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Durham City Freemen Apprentice Awards 2026

Remembrance parade Organizing Group this was the best we have produced for Durham City

With The Freemen On Board Pitmen’s History “Seams” Clearer

Apprenticeship Award Winners Are “Torchbearers” To The Future

Freemen’s Latest Gift Helps Pointers Show the Way

Concrete Academic Cements Long-Standing Family Ties

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Durham City Freemen Apprentice Awards 2026

19 January 2026

“Celebrating Excellence, Investing in the Future”. What are the Awards?The Durham City Freemen Apprentice Awards recognise apprentices who demonstrate outstanding skills, excellence, knowledge, and commitment…

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2 February 2026

Candlemas Guild Day 2026

2 February 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.