Information from Stafford Borough Council
Sir Ian and Lady Jane Dudson awarded highest borough honour in Stafford
The former Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson, and his wife Lady Jane Dudson, have been awarded Freedom of Stafford Borough.
They become the latest to receive the ‘Freedom Scroll’ joining other notable recipients such as iconic war-time Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, Joe Clarke.
It is believed to be the first time a joint award has been granted and Lady Dudson said it was a “huge honour”.
The council has powers to confer the honour on ‘persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough.’
Sir Ian was Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 2012-2025 and High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 2010. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours in recognition of his dedicated service to the Crown and community. He is also chair of the Trustees of the Dudson Centre – the site of the former Dudson pottery factory – – where VAST has its base.
Council Leader, Aidan Godfrey, said: “Sir Ian and Lady Dudson have given exceptional service and made outstanding contributions to the local community, organisations and charities during their long and distinguished service to Stafford Borough and the county as a whole.”
