Town's special day fit for a king

Members of the Knaresborough Royal Maundy Working Group look forward to celebrating the special anniversary.
From left are Andrew Willoughby, Peter Braunton, Christine Willoughby, Barbara Asquith, Kathy Braunton,
Igrane with her raven Gabriella, and chairman Coun John Batt.

Published Date: 26 March 2010
By Staff Copy
WITH just over a week to go, final preparations are in hand for a unique event in Knaresborough.
The town will be celebrating the 800th anniversary of the giving of the first Royal Maundy money in the town by King John in 1210 and to mark the special occasion, there will be a special celebratory day at Knaresborough Castle on Saturday, April 3.

The discovery of the important historical information was made by the late Dr Arnold Kellett, a respected historian and teacher in the town. His widow, Pat Kellett is expected to attend the special event on Easter Saturday.

Joining her will be the Lord Lieutenant, the Bishop of Knaresborough and the Mayor and Mayoress of Knaresborough, Couns Mavis Clemmitt and Jean Burdett.

Commemorative Maundy coins have been handed out to all primary school children in the area and on April 3, 13 nominated people will receive a specially commissioned silver Maundy coin in recognition of their loyalty and devotion to Knaresborough.

For more information, please visit www.knaresborough.co.uk/maundy

A full programme of events on Easter Saturday will be printed in next week’s Knaresborough Post, out on Good Friday, April 2.