A blue plaque commemorating Worcester’s first mayor Edward Hurdman has been unveiled at his final resting place.

The plaque was unveiled at All Saints Church, Worcester at 4pm this afternoon (Monday, November 22) by current mayor Councillor Stephen Hodgson and Discover History’s Paul Harding, who was in character as Edward Hurdman himself.

Cllr Hodgson said: "It is great to be honouring the first Mayor of Worcester in this way.

"Edward Hurdman is a significant figure in our city’s history and it’s wonderful that this blue plaque will offer a permanent record of his role in that history, the first of a long line of Mayors of Worcester."

Heather Jones, the eight times granddaughter of Edward Hurdman, was also in attendance at the unveiling. 

She said: "It’s a fantastic honour for our family for Edward to have this permanent plaque here in Worcester so close to where he lived and worked.

"We are delighted to be at the unveiling and for Edward to have this lasting memorial to the role he played in Worcester’s history."

Born in 1565 and laid to rest at All Saints Church in 1635, Edward Hurdman was high bailiff of the city in 1620 before becoming the first mayor of Worcester in 1621.

Hurdman came from Kempsey just outside Worcester and married the widow of a wealthy brewer.

In his will he left a silver chalice for All saints Church and two silver bowls for use at Council meetings.

Installed as part of the Charter 400 project, the plaque will now serve as a permanent sign of remembrance for Edward Hurdman at his final resting place, which is also opposite the location where he resided as mayor.

Worcester News:

Reverand doctor Rich Johnson, the vicar of All Saints Church, said: "We are very proud of our history as a church and our long-established place in the story of the city of Worcester.  

"We treasure the beautiful chalice given to us by Edward Hurdman which is still in use every week as a reminder to us of his legacy to the city and All Saints church.  

"It’s been wonderful to share in the Charter 400 celebrations this year."

In 1621, the city of Worcester received a charter from King James I, creating a mayor and bringing together all the existing tolls, fees, duties and rules that had been granted to the city since the first royal charter in 1189, from Richard I (the Lionheart).

This year, Worcester is celebrating the 400th Anniversary of this charter, which established the basis for the city's governance which has changed little to the present day.

As part of the project, Discover History has developed a new heritage walking tour that looks at how the city was governed, the privileges it received in 1621 and the personal story of Edward Hurdman.

The tour can be booked by calling 07949 222137 or emailing discoverhistory@aol.com.

For more information on the Charter 400 project visit: www.visitworcester.co.uk/charter-400.