Bells mark 700th anniversary of town’s key market charter

The landmark anniversary was the first time the town is said to have celebrated its Charter Day, on August 16, 1611, when King Edward II signed the charter granting Knaresborough a market, for nearly a decade.

From 12.30pm, the bells were rung at St John The Baptist Church for 15 minutes to mark the event.

Derrick McRobert, who rang the bells alongside five other people for the piece of music called ‘60-on-thirds’, said: “The town was actually granted a market in 1610 but it wasn’t signed by the King until the following year.

“It was vital to the town back then and markets have now become very popular again.

“Knaresborough’s market is still very important for the town and we wanted to do something to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the charter.

“Traditionally bell ringing was used for a number of ways to celebrate events so it seemed a very fitting way to do it.

“We hope in another 700 years, Knaresborough’s market will still be going strong.”

The original charter is still on display in the market. Together with Ripon market it has seen a boom in custom since the recession.