Two years after St Albans led celebrations for the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, there will again be a range of activities this weekend marking the milestone.
A three-day medieval themed market featuring food, drink, storytelling, live music, demonstrations and performances, from people wearing clothing harking back to the 13th century, starts today (Friday).
Also this weekend, June 13-14, the old Town Hall in Market Place will host an exhibition called Medieval Lives and Liberties focusing on life in St Albans during this period.
There will be free re-enactments of real-life Victorian trials that took place in the building’s historic courtroom.
On Saturday (13), visitors can take part in a courtroom debate on prison education over the centuries.
Meanwhile, St Albans Crown Court, Bricket Road, will host a police dog display, crime talks and children’s activities from 10am-3pm on Saturday.
At St Albans Cathedral, there is an exhibition on Magna Carta and a trail for children to follow to learn more about the city’s role in its development.
On Sunday, at 3pm, bells will ring out at the Abbey to celebrate the 800th anniversary.
Cllr Annie Brewster, the council’s portfolio holder for heritage, said: “These events celebrate Magna Carta and the role of St Albans in the development of this important historic document.
“Since the 13th century the principles and rights enshrined in the charter have been used to underpin legal systems across the world.
“Even today they still form the basis of the constitution of countries such as the United States and Australia.”
Celebrations kicked off in the city two years ago when an original 1215 Magna Carta was put on display at the Abbey.
For more information on events see www.enjoystalbans.com/MagnaCarta
• Royal Mail vans based at St Albans delivery office will this month feature images of a new set of stamps marking the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.
St Albans is one of 12 towns and cities throughout the UK linked to the story of the historic document.
Royal Mail worked closely with the Magna Carta 800th Committee to produce six stamps to celebrate the charter, along with other landmark bills and declarations around the world.
As well as reproducing key texts from Magna Carta, the stamps mark the Charter of the Commonwealth and the American Bill of Rights.
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