A new exhibition of historic charters at Lancaster’s City Museum will include the 1193 document which granted borough status to the city.
The charter gave Lancaster the freedom to develop as a trading centre, while setting out its right to local government.
‘Seal of Approval: Lancaster’s Historic Charters’ begins this Saturday (20th July) at the Museum and runs until Saturday 5th October.
The exhibition showcases a number of Lancaster’s seals and charters, including the original foundation charter from1193, which set up the borough of Lancaster.
Heather Dowler, Lancashire County Council’s museum manager for the City Museum, explained: “The charters help to tell Lancaster’s story across more than 800 years. They! are unique, precious and irreplaceable documents.
“Lancaster City Council transferred the charters to Lancashire Archives in 2011. Essential conservation work has since been carried out on them. This exhibition has only been possible with the generous help and support of Lancashire Archives.”
Conservation staff will hold weekly demonstrations explaining how they repair and conserve the seals. These take place between 10.30am and 3.00pm every Thursday in the gallery.
On Monday 23 September at 1.00pm, archivist David Tilsley will be giving a free talk on the Lancaster Charters. Places need to be booked on 01524 64637.
• A programme of family activities takes place every Thursday during the school summer holidays. Visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums or call 01524 64637 for more details. Sessions are free but pre-booking is required.