Applications invited for 'Marsh Grass' payment

Freemen, or their surviving spouse or civil partner, who believe they may be eligible for “Marsh Grass”, are being invited to apply.

In 1900 the Lancaster Corporation secured Parliamentary powers under which the Freemen's rights in the Marsh were extinguished subject to an annual payment of £13.

Each year the 80 senior Freemen (or their widows) resident within the old city boundaries are entitled to claim the payment.

To qualify, applicants must have been resident within the historic city boundaries for at least 12 months prior to June 30.

As a general guide, those who were enrolled as Freemen in 1998 (during the mayoralty of Abbott Bryning) qualified last year.

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026.

Applications should include:

• Full name (and, for surviving spouses or civil partners, the name of their late partner)
• The qualifying address within the former city boundaries
• Evidence of residency at that address for at least 12 months

Payments (less Income Tax) will be made to successful applicants using the details they provide.

Anyone who believes they may be entitled should send their application to mayor@lancaster.gov.uk, or: Mayor’s Office, Democratic Services, Town Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ.

Last updated: 10 June 2026