Ipswich Charter Festival 825

825 years ago, King John  24 December 1166 – 19 October 1216 (you’ll remember him: the bad king in Robin Hood’s day) was short of money. He had only been king for a year but the economy was in a mess. There were wars to fight, barons to bribe and appearances to keep up. What’s a king to do? Raise taxes!

However, there’s little point raising taxes if no-one can pay. King John decided to grant charters to towns which were trading well but could do better with fewer restrictions. A Royal Charter would release the new class of merchants and tradespeople from the authority of the aristocracy. They would be allowed to control their own economic affairs, trade with Europe, managing exports and imports as well as holding regular markets for local people. And in 1200, Ipswich was granted its very own Royal Charter, marking it out as a major place of business on the East coast of England.  Ipswich’s Royal charter was signed by King John (of Robin Hood fame), and is one of the oldest royal town charters in England’s history, it even precedes the Magna Carta by fifteen years!  Serious history…

Over the centuries, Ipswich has benefitted from this early recognition as a town with potential. Of course, at times, things have not gone so well but a town with such a rich heritage as ours will always bounce back. The early 21^st century has been a challenge as trade has fallen away but now, 825 years  after King John granted Ipswich its Charter, it’s time to plan for a new era and work together to make our town a prosperous and happy place, where all can thrive.

What better way to start than with a Festival to celebrate?

In June 2025, the civic church of St Mary le Tower is leading the way, inviting other Ipswich organisations to remember the past and celebrate the future. Every school in the town will be invited to explore the significance of the Charter with its pupils, who will be able to enter age-appropriate poetry and art competitions based around this theme. Winning entries will be displayed in the Cornhill, through the generous support of the Borough Council.

Further information, published here on the Blog – Ipswich.love will follow. Get ready for the week starting SATURDAY 21^st JUNE 2025 and watch this space!!

Written by David Matthews

Churchwarden, St Mary-le-Tower

The image shows a seal created and used in Ipswich following the granting of the town charter by King John.

Who wrote this about Ipswich?

David Matthews

David is a Churchwarden, St Mary-le-Tower and Acting Chair of Trustees of Essex and Suffolk Children’s University. For the last eleven years of his professional career, David was headteacher of a comprehensive school in South London.