Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that Trafford Council can bestow. It is given only to people or organisations who, in the Council’s opinion, have rendered eminent service to the borough.
The award is very rarely made. Since 1974 it has been granted only three times.
Freedom of the Borough is a ceremonial title. It does not carry legal rights or responsibilities, although recipients may take part in civic functions. The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when freemen held trading privileges and positions of power in towns and cities.
Recipients
Sir Alex Ferguson CBE
Awarded on 14 October 2013 for his outstanding achievements in sport and his exceptional contribution to the profile of Trafford through his career as manager of Manchester United Football Club.
In addition to receiving the Freedom of the Borough, Waters Reach, a road near Old Trafford Stadium, was renamed Sir Alex Ferguson Way.
Sir Alex managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013, leading the club to 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and 2 European Cups. In 1999 he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to football.
207 Field Hospital
Awarded on 21 June 2011 in recognition of the outstanding medical support provided to service personnel and local populations around the world.
The Field Hospital, founded in 1885, has provided more than a century of voluntary service in conflicts across the globe. The award was made following a tour of duty at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.
Colin Warbrick CBE
Awarded on 18 May 1999 for his role as a Founding Father of the Borough of Trafford.
Colin Warbrick led the team that brought Trafford Council into existence in the 1970s, merging the councils of Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Urmston, Hale and Bowdon. He served as the first Mayor of Trafford in 1974 to 1975 and was Leader of the Council for three separate periods.