Halesworth to mark its 800th year as a market town

Home to about 5,000 people, Halesworth's market charter was originally granted to Richard de Argentan for a Tuesday market in the town

A Suffolk town is celebrating 800 years since it was granted a market charter by Henry III.

Home to about 5,000 people, Halesworth's market charter was originally granted to Richard de Argentan for a Tuesday market in the town, in return for £2 a year.

Eight centuries later, the town's market is still going strong, though it now takes place on Wednesdays.

A range of events are planned to mark the 800th year on Saturday.

Town historian David Wollweber, who has been involved in organising the anniversary, said: "These charters were a money-making thing for the local lords of the manor and the monarch who granted them.

"One of the interesting things is why some of the places which got a charter really took off while others did not."

Halesworth grew into a highly successful and specialised butchers' market.

What was the point of a market charter?

• A market charter formalised the market and made it hard for a rival market setting up close by

• A charter granted privileges to the town and the traders, such as exemptions from tolls and taxes (on particular days) which rival markets did not enjoy

• Those attending the market to buy goods benefitted from lower costs and no tolls

• A chartered town also benefitted by attracting people to the town.

Source: BBC

On Saturday, banners in the town centre will feature heraldry created by local school children, which tell the stories of their own families.

At 10:45 BST there will be a reading of the Market Charter in Market Place.

As well a programme running from 10:00 until 15:00 in Market Place, events will be held across the town in Halesworth Park, the Memorial Garden and the Thoroughfare.

"This is a community event which is based in the town, though we are expecting visitors as well," Mr Wollweber said.

"Halesworth is a real hidden gem when it comes to really interesting buildings."