Knaresborough's King James unveils historic 1616 document

A precious historic document from the age of bows and arrows is to get pride of place in a event next week at King James's School in Knaresborough.
King Jamess School  headteacher Carl Sugden with the histroric school charter. (Picture by Chris Midgley)King Jamess School  headteacher Carl Sugden with the histroric school charter. (Picture by Chris Midgley)
King Jamess School headteacher Carl Sugden with the histroric school charter. (Picture by Chris Midgley)

As part of its 400th anniversary celebrations this year, the school is opening its doors for a special exhibition of archive materials and photographs.

Among the items on display from just before the Thirty Years War will be the original school charter sealed by King James I in 1616 which granted permission for Dr Robert Chaloner to found a school.

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It was the same year in which Shakespeare died, the same year that John Donne was appointed as Reader in Divinity at Lincoln’s Inn.

On a lighter note, also included are the school rules from that day which decreed that parents should send their sons to school with their own pencils, paper, candles and bows and arrows!

There has already been great deal of interest in the exhibition from members of the newly-created Alumni Association, who have attended other 400th celebrations recently, including the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to mark the school’s special anniversary.

The 400th Anniversary Exhibition will takes place at school next Wednesday, May 4 from 4.30pm to 8pm in the Chaloner Hall.

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In attendance will be former and current staff and students are welcome to attend, along with parents and members of the local community.

Headteacher Carl Sugden said the school was committed to laying the foundations of its success for the next 400 years.

He said: “Our challenge is to continue building on King James’s tradition of high academic standards and its unique place at the heart of the community.

“Our unofficial motto – Traditional Foundations, 21st Century Education – sums up our ethos.

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“The school is determined to bring together the very best of past and present to equip our students for the future.”

The school is appealing to all former member of the King James’s School Community to come to the exhibition.

It is free to register to join the association via the Community and Alumni section of the school website: www.king-james.co.uk

For further information, email [email protected]