PHOTOS: Celebrating the first ever Lancaster Day

Friday, 14 June 2024 14:07

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Norman re-enactors in the city centre on Lancaster Day.

A first ever 'Lancaster Day' has celebrated the history and heritage of the city.

The event was held on Wednesday, June 12 and marked the anniversary of the signing of the city's first charter on June 12 1193.

On the day, the original charter was showcased in Lancaster City Museum, alongside a day of entertainment for the community.

The charter (below) was signed by the future King John.

It said:

"Know ye that I have granted and confirmed to my burgesses of Lancaster all the liberties which I have granted to the burgesses of Bristol.

"Moreover I have quit-claimed the same burgesses from the suit of my mill and from their ploughing and other servile customs which they were wont to make and that they shall no longer mow at my need, as they were wont to mow.

"I have also granted them as much dead wood in my forest as they need for burning and as much as they need for building, under ths supervision of my foresters.

"I have granted also to the said burgesses and confirmed to them the pasture of my forest as far as their animals can go from the town and Lancaster and return home in the day."

The liberties of Bristol talked about are largely freedom from tolls throughout England and in Dublin, which would have been a great benefit to growing trade and the local economy in Lancaster. John had given Bristol a charter in 1188.

A burgess was usually a merchant or craftsman who rented a plot within a borough. The freedom from agricultural labour meant that they had more time to earn money either by trade or from their craft.

Also on Lancaster Day, Lancaster Priory flew the Lancaster City flag from its tower, there was the chance to 'Meet The Normans' in the city centre, a vintage DJ, town criers telling the Lancaster story, as well as tours, talks and walks including a Lancaster Black History and Slave Trade Trail.

Lancaster Priory, the Castle, the Judges' Lodgings, the City Museum and the Police Museum were all open on the day.

Lancaster Day was organised by Lancaster BID alongside Lancashire Museums, Lancaster City Council, Lancaster Priory, the Judges' Lodgings, Lancaster Charter Market, Lancaster Civic Vision, Lancaster Walks, Talks and Tours and Lancashire County Council. It has been sponsored by Westmorland Homecare.

Here are more photos from Lancaster Day.