A NORTH Yorkshire town will hold two weeks of celebrations to mark the 850th anniversary of its first royal charter.

Richmond received the charter in 1155, during the reign of King Henry II, giving the town permission to hold a market.

Over the centuries, several more charters have been granted bestowing new powers on the town.

To mark the receipt of the first charter, several documents and their royal seals will go on display for the first time next month.

The fragile charters are normally kept in the archives of the county record office.

A two-week programme of community events will also be held.

Richmond's mayor, Councillor Stuart Parsons, said: "The charters are the basis for all civil power within Richmond.

"They were part of the process of reducing the power of the nobles and placing it in the hands of the monarch.

"Even today, our council tax precept would have to be double if the charters did not allow us to raise income from the markets.

"Not only will the exhibition give a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to view some very ancient and fragile documents, but the celebrations will also be a way of acknowledging the loyalty and commitment of our many indoor and outdoor traders."

The charters will go on display in Richmond Town Hall from September 5 to 18, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Other market memorabilia, including old photographs, postcards, writing and paintings will also be on show.

As part of the celebrations, the town will also host its Sheep on Show event.

About 50 decorated wooden sheep will appear in shop windows and the public will be invited to take part in a spot the sheep competition.

Other community events will include a one-off live musical performance in the Market Place featuring some of the local bands from Richmond Live, cheese-rolling on Westfields, a car boot sale in the Market Place and cream teas hosted by Richmond's mayoresses in the Town Hall.

The celebrations will end with a heritage weekend on September 17 and 18, when Richmond's historic buildings will open to the public.

* For more local history news and features, go to www. northeasthistory.co.u