Charter Day

Music, Morris dancing, the king’s rider and the convening of the Manor Court – that’s what you can expect at Wellington’s Charter Day. The next Charter Day will take place on Saturday 1st March 2025.

On February 29th 1244, King Henry III signed Wellington’s first market charter. It was amongst the earliest awarded to a Shropshire town and, as a town that still boasts one of the biggest and busiest markets in the county eight centuries later, it’s an occasion worth marking. So, the first Saturday of March each year is celebrated as Charter Day.

CHARTER DAY PROCEEDINGS

11.00: The Ironmen and Severn Gilders are our entertainment for the day and will be kick-off the event around 11am
11.30: The king’s rider arrives in town to deliver the 1244 charter to the lord of the manor
11.40: The morris dancing continues
12.00: We convene Wellington’s ancient Manor Court for its annual session in order to appoint the town crier, the clerk of the market and the ale taster for the year ahead. But will they all pass muster?
12.30: one final set from the morris dancers rounds off the morning.

THE ALE TASTER’S MARMALADE CONTEST AT THE PHEASANT INN

Local cooks go head to head with their best homemade marmalade, adjudicated by the Ale Taster and friends. Contestants must submit one jar of their marmalade to bar staff at The Pheasant between Thursday 29th Feb and 11am on Saturday 2nd March. Make sure you include your name and a contact number / email address.
13.00: Judging begins
14.00(ish): Judges announce their verdict

IMAGES FROM PREVIOUS CHARTER DAY EVENTS…