All set for Charter celebrations

Saturday 12th January 2008
A series of celebration events are planned throughout the year to mark the 800th anniversary of the charter granted by King John which made Yarmouth a free borough. It will start with a civic parade and service at St Nicholas Church on March 16, the day in 1208 when the charter was signed.

A copy of the charter will be delivered to the church on horseback and then read out at the service. The church will also host a banquet on May 17 with dishes made from medieval recipes, prepared by Great Yarmouth College students. Yarmouth’s Blackfriars Brewery is creating a charter ale which will be served at the feast. Brewery boss Bill Russell said the beer would be based on the recipe for a 13th century ale.

The atmosphere of the Middle Ages will be key to a Charter Market on March 18 and 19, with stall holders in period dress. The charter gave Yarmouth powers including the right to establish a merchant's guild to control markets and exemption from paying tolls on goods sold to other English towns. As a lasting memorial of the anniversary, a new market cross will be erected close to the Fisherman's Hospital replacing the original monument that was demolished in 1836.

Energy company Perenco has donated £5,000 towards the Market Cross, to be unveiled by a VIP. A large painting of present day townspeople depicted in medieval dress at the signing ceremony with King John will be hung in St Nicholas Church. It is being created by Ernie Childs of Great Yarmouth Potteries. Regular events in the town calendar, including the Easter Fair, Maritime and Beer festivals will also have a charter theme. Anyone interested in organising events for the anniversary should email lauragoodman@greatyarmouth.gov.

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