Leader of Westmorland and Furness shadow council and Leader, Councillors and staff from Eden District Council.The town of Penrith has been celebrating a major milestone in its history: the 800th anniversary of the awarding of its Market Charter.
The milestone was marked with a special event that was attended by some of the most prominent local officials and dignitaries.
To mark the occasion of the market’s octocentenary, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, was joined by the Leader of Westmorland and Furness shadow council, Cllr Jonathan Brook; the Leader of Eden District Council, Cllr Virginia Taylor; the Chair of Eden District Council, Cllr Douglas Banks; the Interim Chief Executive of Eden District Council, Ian Frost; and Penrith Town Mayor, Charlie Shepherd, to see the market's latest incarnation in Penrith Town Centre.
Also present were Fergus McMorrow and Charlie Thornton, Eden District Council’s Assistant Director for Development and Economic Development Officer, respectively.
The event was also graced by members of the Penrith Players, who dressed up as King Henry III and his queen, Eleanor of Provence, adding a touch of historical flair to the occasion. The celebration showcased the latest incarnation of Penrith Market, which has been an important part of the town's history and culture for the past eight centuries.
The history of Penrith Market dates back to 1223 when King Henry III granted the Market Charter to the town. The reinstatement of the former Roman bridge crossing the Eden at Brougham, which revived the old Roman road - or modern A6 - through the town, made Penrith an important strategic and trading centre once again.
The current Penrith Market is held every Tuesday in Dockray, is managed and supported by Eden District Council the council says it “welcomes local traders selling a selection of goods.”
Although in recent years the Penrith market has seen a decline in stalls with some weeks only one or two stalls attending.
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