It is understood that the tradition of conferring Freedom of the City dates back to the early thirteenth century.
This award originally bestowed many special privileges upon the recipients, however in recent times the conferment is purely honorary.
Receiving the Freedom of the City is the highest civic honour that can be awarded to an individual or organisation.
It is granted on behalf of the city in recognition of the recipients’ valuable service and commitment to the community.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 1970 | Alderman James Howard OBE, JP |
| 1970 | Alderman Mrs Sarah Crothers MBE, JP |
| 1970 | Alderman Arthur Bowman JP |
| 1973 | Councillor Hugh Gray Bass JP |
| 1975 | The Lord Grey of Naunton GCMG, GCVO, OBE |
| 1990 | Professor James Francis Pantridge CBE, MC, MD, FRCP, FACC |
| 1990 | The Ulster Defence Regiment |
| 1997 | The Royal British Legion Northern Ireland |
| 1998 | Dame Mary Elizabeth Peters, DBE, DSC, DipDomSc |
| 2001 | The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC |
| 2003 | Dr Samuel Semple MBE., JP., D.Univ., FRSA., MFTCom., MESP |
| 2004 | Northern Ireland Fire Brigade |
| 2006 | Northern Ireland Prison Service |
| 2007 | Northern Ireland Ambulance Service |
| 2009 | Dr Janet Gray MBE |
| 2010 | Alderman S A Close OBE |
| 2010 | Alderman I Davis OBE |
| 2010 | Mr C B Poots |
| 2011 | The Royal Irish Regiment |
| 2014 | Voluntary Uniformed Youth Organisations |
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 1984 | The Ulster Defence Regiment |
| 1992 | Ulster Special Constabulary Association |
| 1994 | Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment |
| 1995 | Royal Irish Regiment |
| 1996 | Royal British Legion |
| 1998 | 204 Field Hospital (Northern Ireland) Royal Army Medical Corps (Volunteers) |
| 2000 | Royal Ulster Constabulary GC |
| 2002 | George Best |
| 2003 | Alderman Peter D Robinson |
| 2004 | Northern Ireland Prison Service |
| 2008 | Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
| 2013 | 152 (Ulster) Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (V) and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers LAD (V) |
| 2014 | Police Service of Northern Ireland |
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Mrs Joan Christie CVO OBE |
| 2020 | Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, JP |
| 2020 | Mrs Geraldine Rice MBE |
| 2020 | Mr Tommy Jeffers |
| 2022 | Health and Social Care Staff in Northern Ireland |
| 2023 | Keith Getty OBE & Kristyn Getty |
| 2026 | Mr Thomas Doherty |
A much-loved local resident and RAF veteran was honoured in Lisburn on Thursday 16th April 2026, where he became a ‘Freeman of the City’.
Born in Belfast in January 1927, Mr Doherty, known affectionately as ‘Tommy’, is now aged 99 and is one of the oldest veterans in Lisburn and Castlereagh. He is being recognised for a lifetime of service – from his contribution to the armed forces in the 1940’s, to his continued dedication to his community and charitable causes.
Tommy grew up in East Belfast as the seventh of ten children, and experienced first-hand the impact of the Belfast Blitz when his family home was damaged. He was inspired by a strong sense of duty and, with three brothers serving in the armed forces, joined the Royal Air Force where he served as a driver in the mechanical transport section. His role saw him stationed in Northern Ireland, England and overseas in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, transporting aircrew, equipment and vital supplies. He rose to the rank of corporal during his service.
Following his time in the RAF, Tommy returned home, settling in Castlereagh with his beloved wife, Edna, to whom he was married for nearly 80 years until her passing in 2025. Together they raised three children and built a life rooted in family and community.
In later years, Tommy became a well-known figure in The Temple area near Lisburn, where he led the ‘Temple in Bloom’ initiative, helping to bring colour and vibrancy to the local area. Tommy has also shown remarkable commitment to charitable work, raising significant funds for local charities.
He has long supported veteran organisations such as the Royal British Legion and continues to attend civic events, including Remembrance Sunday.
Speaking in advance of the formal ceremony, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, said:
“It is a true privilege to honour Mr Thomas Doherty with the Freedom of the City. Tommy’s life is one of extraordinary service, resilience and generosity. From his contribution during wartime, to his unwavering support for veterans and his continued dedication to his local community, he represents the very best of Lisburn and Castlereagh.
“Even at 99 years of age, Tommy continues to inspire us all with his kindness and commitment to helping others. His fundraising efforts and his active role in community life are a testament to his character. We are incredibly proud to recognise his achievements with this most prestigious honour.
“I hope Tommy, along with his family and friends, enjoys this very special and well-deserved day.”
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council conferred the Freedom of the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh upon two internationally-acclaimed hymn writers from Northern Ireland on Thursday 1st June.
Keith and Kristyn are GRAMMY®-nominated recording artists, best-known for the hymn, ‘In Christ Alone’, which is sung an estimated 100 million times around the world every year. They are being given the ‘Freedom of the City’ in recognition of their achievements as internationally-acclaimed Christian singers and songwriters.
Speaking about the formal ceremony, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Scott Carson said: “It was such an honour for me to welcome the Getty family to Lagan Valley Island and to thank Keith and Kristyn for the contribution they have made to communities across the world. They have inspired so many people globally through their music and I am proud to say they are from Northern Ireland.
"The Freedom of the City event for Keith Getty OBE and Kristyn Getty was a wonderful day and we’d like to thank everyone who helped make it so memorable, including New Irish Arts. It was made extra special by having pupils from Keith’s former schools with us to perform - the fabulous choir from Pond Park Primary School and flawless flautist Hannah Maclean from Friends’ School, Lisburn.
"Here in Lisburn & Castlereagh, we are rightly proud of the Getty family. They have a special place in our hearts and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.”
"That Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council does bestow the honour of the Freedom of the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh on Keith Getty OBE & Kristyn Getty in recognition of their achievements as internationally Christain singers and songwriters."
A Certificate of Grant of the Freedom of the City was presented by The Right Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Scott Carson to Keith Getty OBE & Kristyn Getty.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council conferred the Freedom of the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh upon Health and Social Care (HSC) staff in Northern Ireland on Saturday 21st May 2022.
Hundreds of HSC staff were celebrated at an award ceremony and garden party in Castle Gardens, Lisburn. The event was packed with staff from all aspects of HSC life including nurses, porters, doctors, care home workers, corporate staff, dieticians, mid-wives, pharmacists, social workers and support workers.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Stephen Martin, said: “Northern Ireland is privileged with such a fantastic health service - for all stages of life. It is my honour to recognise and thank everyone involved in health and social care for the enormous contribution to our community. As one team, as a HSC family, they have seen us through what has arguably been one of the most challenging times that any of us will ever face and we cannot thank them enough.
“I hope this award demonstrates just how much the people of Lisburn and Castlereagh appreciate and admire health and social care staff, who continue to work tirelessly to care for the sick and most vulnerable in our society.”
"That Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council does bestow the honour of the Freedom of the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh on Health and Social Care Staff in Northern Ireland in recognition of their valuable service to the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area and to Northern Ireland in general, since the formation of Health and Social Care in 1948."
A Certificate of Grant of the Freedom of the City was presented by The Right Worshipful the Mayor Alderman Stephen Martin to Ms Nicki Patterson, Deputy Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust who accepted the award on behalf of Health and Social Care Staff in Northern Ireland.
