THIS year Worcester will be celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Charter that created the local government we still use today; a city with a mayor as its figurehead.

However, the city was governed very differently before 1621. The Anglo-Saxon Charters, which sadly don’t survive, would have created a burgh or fortified town.

This showed that the King of Mercia saw potential in a town that was once an inland port used by the Romans. Later Charters allowed for regular markets too.

The earliest surviving Charter dates from 1189 and allowed some independence from the King for an annual payment of £24. This would allow the city gentlemen to make many decisions for the good of the city.

In 1227 a new Charter from Henry III, allowed the city to form a Guild of Merchants, which governed trade within the city walls.

Governing the city was confusing at this time and often led to arguments and disputes. A law was passed to ‘fine’ Guild members for using ‘aggressive language’ at the Guildhall!

The Trinity Guild was formed in 1372 and dealt with alms houses, the city defences and the important bridge across the Severn.

Worcesters wealth was based on the wool trade. Pictured is Helen Harding, from Discover History

Worcester's wealth was based on the wool trade. Pictured is Helen Harding, from Discover History

By the 16th century these two organisations had evolved to became the Corporation, made up of two distinct groups known as the ‘24’ and the ‘48’.

The 24 was the High Chamber or ‘The Great Clothing.’ The 48 was the Low Chamber or the ‘Commoners.’

They were led by a high and low bailiff and several officials such as the aldermen and chamberlains. This organisation was intended to create clarity from the two earlier guilds.

This system stayed in place until the 17th century. Several meetings took place to create a modern new system to match other great cities.

However the financial costs and additional pressure from the bishop, who feared losing some of his power in Worcester, led to the idea being shelved numerous times.

Voting in 1604 and finally in 1615 rejected the proposals and it looked like change would never happen!

Charter400 events began with the launch of a new walking tour by Discover History. The tour is available throughout 2021 and will help visitors and more importantly local people learn about the City Charter that gave Worcester the privileges it has today.

To book your tour, contact Discover History direct on 07949 222137.

To find out what is happening throughout 2021, please visit the Visit Worcester website at visitworcester.co.uk.

Further events will be added as the Covid restrictions are eased. The celebrations will culminate with Charter Day on Saturday, October 2.