Eddie Howe is expected to be awarded the freedom of Newcastle after becoming the first manager of the city’s football team to secure a major domestic honor in 70 years. This follows Newcastle United’s victory in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool at Wembley. Howe’s achievement is seen as extraordinary, and he will join notable figures such as Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, and Jackie Milburn, who have their names commemorated in the city’s civic center. Additionally, he will gain grazing rights on the Town Moor, although this privilege traditionally applies to hereditary Freemen. The council leader, Karen Kilgour, praised Howe as a hero to the city. The Freedom of Newcastle also entails a ceremonial commitment to protect and conserve the Town Moor, an area larger than Central Park, where grazing lands are sublet to farmers with the proceeds going toward charity. The initiation involves holding a musket and bible, signing an oath, and presenting the city’s mayor with an old silver coin. The potential of a new stadium construction on Leazes Park, part of the Town Moor near St James’ Park, could present a conflict of interest for Howe, as he will be invited to attend quarterly meetings of the Town Moor joint working group. In other news, Dan Burn, a goalscorer in Newcastle’s recent victory over Liverpool, has been nominated for the freedom of Northumberland. The history of the Freemen of Newcastle, an influential group proud of their medieval heritage, has seen changes such as the admittance of women in 2009 and honorary recognitions for figures like Nelson Mandela.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/18/eddie-howe-to-be-awarded-freedom-of-newcastle