Derby celebrates five remarkable individuals awarded the Freedom of the City for their significant contributions to the community
Derby: The Freedom of the City award is a big deal. It’s the highest honor Derby City Council can give to someone who’s made a real difference in the community. Right now, only five people have this title, making it pretty special.
Derby City Council hasn’t handed out many of these awards. The city only became official in 1977, long after the first award was given in London back in 1237.
The first recipient was the legendary Derby County manager, Brian Clough, who got the honor in 2003. He led the Rams to their first league title in 1972 and even took them to the semi-finals of the European Cup.
Next up is Adam Peaty, a celebrated Olympic swimmer. He received the Freedom of the City in 2016 after winning gold in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke. He even broke the world record with a new technique!
Peaty grew up in Derby and trained at the City of Derby swimming club. He’s a local hero for sure.
Reg Harrison was awarded the Freedom in 2018. He was the last living member of Derby County’s FA Cup-winning team from 1946. He played for the Rams for years, making over 280 appearances.
Then there’s Sandy Ryan, the first woman to receive the award. She’s a boxing champ who won a silver medal in her debut in 2014 and became the World Boxing Association Women’s World Lightweight champion in 2023.
Finally, we have Steve Kirk, a pub landlord who runs the Neptune pub. He got the award in April 2024 for raising over £120,000 for charity, more than any other pub in the UK for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal.
