Message from the Chairman

Posted:

2017 is an important year for Lincoln as it marks the 800th anniversaries of two highly significant events in English history.

The Battle of Lincoln, fought on 20th May 1217, has been described by Professor David Carpenter as being, after Hastings, the most important battle in England. Even though the English forces defeated the French army, and the balance of power swung in the favour of the Regent, William Marshal, and young King Henry III – the battle is little known.

The second anniversary marks the issue of Charter of the Forest by King Henry III in autumn 1217 as a complementary Charter to Magna Carta. It aimed to reduce the area of the royal forest which had gradually extended during the reigns of previous monarchs. Importantly the Charter sought to re-establish rights of access to the forest, and to allow free men who had woods within the forest to create new arable land, fish ponds and mills without being fined.

Lincoln city offers local residents and visitors the unique experience of being able to see Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest side by side in the David P J Ross Magna Carta Vault at Lincoln Castle.

We look forward to celebrating these two important events in Lincoln during 2017.

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