The Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough is awarded to people, who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council.

It is an award bestowed on very few people and is the highest honour the Council can give.

Below is a list of people that Middlesbrough Council has awarded the honour to:

• L Taylor 30 March 1967 - Deceased 23 May 1983
• Right Rev. Monsignor Canon M O'Sullivan 26 March 1968 - Deceased 6 May 1978
• Mrs M A Daniel 16 October 1974 - Deceased 23 December 1983
• Mrs Ethel A Gaunt 16 October 1974 - Deceased 10 June 1990
• The Rt. Hon. Lord Bottomley OBE of Middlesbrough - Deceased 21 December 1976
• Mr E A Dickinson MBE 8 May 1981 - Deceased 2001
• Mrs Rose M Haston 9 May 1986- Deceased 22 January 1991
• Mr Arthur Pearson CBE 9 May 1986 - Deceased 23 February 1997
• Robert I Smith 9 May 1986 - Deceased 23 February 1993
• Councillor W Ferrier MBE 16 June 1992
• Councillor Miss G Popple 16 June 1992 - Deceased 10 May 2003
• Mr Len Poole BEM 16 June 1992
• Mr John Robert Foster OBE 8 March 1996
• Alma Collin MBE 15 March 2000
• Councillor Hazel Pearson OBE 3rd December 2003
• Mr Stephen Gibson 18th March 2004

Regiments and Ships Granted the Right of Freedom of Entry to the Borough

• The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales' 13 May 1944 own Yorkshire Regiment) - transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment on 25 October 2006 
• 34th (Northern) Signal Regiment (Volunteers) 29 April 1972
• HMS Marlborough 15 March 2000