Mayor will receive charter from 'King' (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Mayor will receive charter from 'King'

8:00am Saturday 30th July 2011 in Local

ONE of the most important events in Kidderminster’s history will be commemorated next week when a “royal” visitor arrives in the town on horseback.

On Thursday, the town’s Heritage Opportunities Group will mark the 375th anniversary of Kidderminster acquiring its charter from King Charles I with a ceremony on the town hall steps.

Sealed Knot re-enactors will arrive as King Charles I and his messenger to present a copy of the charter to current mayor, Councillor Anne Hingley.

The characters, dressed in 17th century costume, will make their way from Market Street to the town hall for the presentation at 11am, followed by a public proclamation by the town crier of the granting of the town charter.

Councillor Hingley said: “The byelaws made under the charter of 1636 placed a strong emphasis on civic pride which has influenced the town and its people to the present day.

“I hope to see many of those who live and work in Kidderminster come out on to the streets to mark a major moment in the town’s history with the symbolic arrival of the King and his messenger”

Organisers are hoping streets outside the town hall will be packed with onlookers who can also browse a range of stalls selling goods and refreshments inside.

A 32-page brochure outlining the history and significance of the charter has been produced and is available from the town hall, Kidderminster Hub, John Beard Ironmongers, Painters Solicitors, St Mary’s Church, and all Kidderminster district councillors.

Copies cost £1 and proceeds will go towards offsetting the costs of the charter celebrations.

Another celebration event is planned for Saturday, September 18 when a mock skirmish will be held in the grounds of St Mary’s & All Saints Church.

St Mary’s is believed to be the site of a Civil War skirmish and members of the Dudley-based Guild of the Blessed Saint Edmund, King and Martyr will be performing throughout the day.

There will be hands-on demonstrations of musket drill, arms and armour, stalls and explanations of warfare methods during the Civil War period.

There will also be orations and preaching by an actor dressed as “Rev Richard Baxter”, who was a minister in Kidderminster from 1641-61, Baxter was world famous for his fervent preaching and his passionate desire to save souls and transform what he believed was a town of “ignorant, rude and revelling people.”