Martinmas Guild Day 2025

Martinmas Guild Day 2025 with a ceremony that continues one of the city’s oldest and most respected civic traditions. Taking place in November around the Feast of St Martin, the event brings together members of the Freemen, civic leaders, and invited guests for a day that blends heritage, symbolism, and community pride.

At the heart of the occasion is the formal swearing‑in of new Freemen, who will take their oath and join a lineage that stretches back centuries. The ceremony reflects the enduring role of the Freemen in the life of Durham—preserving customs, supporting civic life, and maintaining a connection to the city’s medieval guild structure.