Celebrating …

in the town







Beginning with the Charter Exhibition launch in May followed by an unforgettable day in June taking the town back to medieval times!

Charter Celebration Day

Taking the town back to medieval times and the granting of the first Royal Charter in 1251

On Saturday 29 June, Higham Ferrers went back to medieval times to celebrate the restoration of our Town Charters for future generations to enjoy.

It was a day for all the family with lots happening at historic sites around the town. You could have a go at medieval games, spinning and weaving, tablet weaving, scribing and calligraphy, period dressing up, and archery, to name just a few.

Finding out …

about life as a medieval knight

    • Knights and Combat

    • Barber Surgeon

    • Cooking

    • Armoury

    • Scribe

Location: encampment at Chichele College

Experiencing …

how people lived in 1251

    • Skirmish

    • Shire Court

    • Mythbusters

    • Fashion Show

    • Games

    • Leather Working

    • Period Chain Mail Making

    • Tablet Weaving

    • Spinning and Weaving

    • Have-a-go Archery

Location: encampment at Castle Fields

Discovering …

  • the history of your town at the Charter Exhibition

  • how medieval manuscripts were made

Location: Bede House

Enjoying …

  • listening to medieval music

  • the calm of the Chapel Tent

Location: St. Mary's Church

Indulging in …

Hog roast, paella and much more at our all-day Farmers' Market

Location: Market Square

An unforgettable day …

celebrating Higham’s heritage

Everyone was welcome and entry to all events was free

New Commemorative Book*

Higham Ferrers 1251–1914 A portrait of a town and its people through its historic charters

This fascinating book was launched to mark this special event.

With over 300 beautifully illustrated pages, it describes how Higham Ferrers developed from a small village in Norman England to the fully-fledged town of today and it focuses on how events, both national and local, had an impact on the people of Higham Ferrers.


* Note this is a standalone project and not funded by the Heritage Lottery Funding

Charter Exhibition launch

The celebrations began with the launch of the Charter Exhibition, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, at the Chichele Garden Fair on Saturday 25 May.

The theme of this year's Fair was the Town Charters with art and scarecrow competitions for local school children.