It was 700 years ago this weekend that the small town of Elland was granted its own Royal Charter by King Edward II.
On 24th February 1317, Sir John de Eland, Lord of the Manor of Eland, (the name meaning ‘cultivated land by the water’), and High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, was granted his Market Charter.
While it was by no means the beginning of recorded history for the township of Elland, with its .jpg)
Roman roots, and Church of St Mary the Virgin dating back to around 1180, it marked a turning point in the town’s fortunes. The Charter granted a regular weekly market and two fairs, and the town flourished, becoming a significant commercial and trading centre.
And this weekend, events to celebrate this historic occasion will take place in the Grade 1 listed St Mary’s Church – the only building still standing from that period – and home to the Charter until 1889.
The vicar of Elland, the Revd Canon David Burrows said: “'The Community of Elland are invited to come together this weekend to celebrate their roots, and to look to the future as the 700th Anniversary of the Town's Royal Charter is marked in St Mary's Church.'
Events planned include historic exhibitions and displays on the past, present and future; a quiz, trips up the tower, refreshments and light lunches. There will be a talk on the History of the Church and Community on Saturday 25th at 2pm, a Eucharist of Thanksgiving at 11am on Sunday 26th, and then a Civic Songs of Praise with the Bishop of Leeds, Bishop Nick at 4pm, at which we shall be joined by the Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor.