Royal Maundy celebrations in Knaresborough

Members of the Maundy Celebrations committee at a photo shoot at the Castle from left,
Andrew Willoughby, Peter Braunton, Christine Willoughby, Barbara Asquith, Kath Braunton,
Igraine Skelton with Gabriel the rave and John Batt

Preparations are underway for the Royal Maundy 800th anniversary celebrations in Knaresborough.


Published Date: 30 March 2010
A UNIQUE celebration takes place in Knaresborough on Saturday, April 3 and it's free for all the family.
In recognition of the 800th anniversary since the first Royal Maundy money was presented in Knaresborough by King John in 1210, the town will be marking the occasion with a Royal Maundy Event at Knaresborough Castle.

The opening ceremony takes place at 11am and at 1pm, there will be a full re-enactment of the first Royal Maundy by the Knaresborough Players.

13 people have been chosen as recipients of a silver commemorative Maundy coin in recognition of their loyalty and devotion to Knaresborough, and these will be presented at 1.40pm by guests of honour, the Bishop of Knaresborough, James Bell, the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and Mayoress of Knaresborough, Couns Mavis Clemmitt and Jean Burdett and Mrs Pat Kellett.

Mrs Kellett's late husband, Dr Arnold Kellett was a well known local historian and it was thanks to him that Knaresborough's royal connections with the Maundy were uncovered.

Other events taking place include Morris Dancing from Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers and the Claro Sword and Morris Men, demonstrations of calligraphy, embroidery, woodturning, falconry and medieval games. The Black Knight Historical Group is attending and Igraine and the famed Castle Ravens will be there.

As well as childrens' colouring, there's also a chance to purchase some of the leftover special Maundy coins produced for local primary school children and try some of the specially-produced Maundy Ale.

Entry to the Castle and Museum buildings will be £1 per person. The event finishes at 4pm.

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