Freedom of the City

See the list of people that have been awarded the Freedom of the City honour.

Freedom of the City is an honour given by us to either a person (civilian) or military unit, in recognition of their exceptional service to the city.

To be given Freedom of the City there needs to be a special meeting of the council. At least two-thirds of councillors must agree to give the honour.

Honorary freemen of the city of Canterbury

  • 2022 - Colin Carmichael OBE
  • 2015 - Paul Barrett MBE
  • 2015 - Sir Graeme Odgers DL
  • 2015 - Amanda Cottrell OBE DL JP
  • 2012 - Dave Lee MBE (awarded posthumously)
  • 2012 - The most Rev. & Rt.Hon. Dr Rowan Williams, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury (2002 to 2012)
  • 2011 - Peter Firmin MA
  • 2011 - Michael Head
  • 2008 - The Very Rev. Robert Willis KStJ DL
  • 2008 - Lord Bruce-Lockhart of the Weald Kt OBE
  • 2008 - The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
  • 2006 - Tim Brett JP DL
  • 2006 - Allan Willett CMG
  • 2001 - Anthony Swaine FSA
  • 2001 - John Ward CBE
  • 2001 - Peter Williams MA
  • 2000 - His Honour Judge John Rogers QC MA
  • 1992 - Terry Waite Esq CBE
  • 1992 - The most Rev & Rt.Hon George Carey DD Archbishop of Canterbury (1991 to 2002)
  • 1984 - The most Rev & Rt.Hon Robert Runcie MC DD Archbishop of Canterbury (1980 to 1991)
  • 1983 - His Honour Judge Edward Sutcliffe QC MA Honorary Recorder
  • 1983 - The Reverend Canon Derek Ingram-Hill, MA DD FSA
  • 1978 - His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT PC GCB
  • 1976 - The Very Rev. Ian Hugh White-Thomson, Dean of Canterbury (1963 to 1975)
  • 1976 - The most Rev & Rt.Hon. Frederick Coggan DD Archbishop of Canterbury (1974 to 1979)