The Freemen of Durham City have, in recent years, taken an increasingly active role in supporting projects and appeals that strengthen the life of the City and celebrate its heritage. Their contributions have focused on initiatives that promote Durham’s identity, preserve its historic character, and encourage the continuation of traditional crafts and trades that shaped the City’s early development. To ensure this support could be delivered in a structured and sustainable way, a dedicated Charitable Trust was operated between 2016 and 2026, providing funding for community‑based work and helping local groups, organisations, and heritage projects to thrive. Through this commitment, the Freemen have continued a long-standing tradition of civic responsibility while adapting their role to meet the needs of a modern and evolving community.
From May 2026 we will be taking applications for funding to apply click here
