The 1608 Banbury Town Charter



In 2008 Banbury celebrated the 400th anniversary of the 1608 Charter



Banbury became a mayoral town four hundred years ago.
The Charter was granted to the town by King James 1 on June 28th 1608.

Banbury's history goes back to Anglo-Saxon times.  An earlier charter from Queen Mary in 1554 had officially established Banbury as a town, but this charter devolved further power from the crown to the town, for 'the better government of the borough'.

The charter gave Banbury for the first time: A Mayor, with more power than the preceding role of Baliff. A Town Clerk, and a greater number of officials with enhanced responsibilities. Authority to the 'Common Council' to make local by-laws and create taxes. The right to have a gaol (The mayor was also the keeper of the gaol) The power to punish all drunkards and 'others of immoderate behaviour'. The right to have gallows to hang people.

 While many aspects of the charter deal with law and order, it also granted: A weekly Wool Market for the benefit of the poor. A weekly Horse Market. Two new fairs. The founding of a hospital for the relief of the poor.

King James 1 is perhaps best known as the intended target fo Guy Fawkes in 1605 and for commissioning a new translation of the Bible in 1611, still known as the 'King James' Bible.

The Town Charter was on loan from the Oxfordshire Record Office
and was displayed at Banbury Museum



The official launch of the 400th Charter
Town Clerk Mark Recchia, Sergeant at Arms Terry Cox, Banbury Museum Events & Exhibitions Officer Dale Johnston and Town Mayor Cllr Kieron Mallon.
 

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