THE 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta was celebrated in Christchurch with displays, re-enactments, and the unveiling of a new memorial plaque.

A day of events was held in the town yesterday, including a visit from "King John" - who frequently came to Christchurch Priory eight centuries ago. With help from members of the Bournemouth Shakespeare Players the day included a re-enactment of his final visit, including the ceremonial signing of a charter in the Priory.

From there, heralded by a peal of bells, the King, along with his Queen and attendants, processed to Constable’s House where he stayed in 1215. There they dined with music and entertainment, while on the other side of the green Christchurch Mayor Fred Neale unveiled a stone-mounted plaque, financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, commemorating his 10 visits to the town.

The Royal entourage, led by the town crier, then made its way to the Saxon Cross where pupils from Christchurch Junior School performed a dance to medieval music.

The events, organised by the Christchurch Culture and Learning Arena with a £7,388 Heritage Lottery Fund grant, also included a display of vestments and regalia in the Mayor’s Parlour, and a Heritage Marquee in Saxon Square, housing the Magna Carta Census Scrolls which visitors were invited to sign as a reaffirmation of the benefits of the Charter. More than 500 people signed them on the day - bringing the total to more than 1,000 so far.

On display too were the beginnings of the Christchurch Magna Carta tapestry, depicting scenes from the town, work on which will continue throughout the year.

Christchurch History Society provided information, and a heritage trail was led by historian Michael Andrews around the ancient Plantagenet boundary.

He told the Echo: "The main idea today was to reinforce the history of Christchurch and how it fits in with the history of the whole country - especially the Magna Carta and King John."

Christchurch council community officer Wilbert Smith, who assisted with the organisation of the event, said: "It was a superb day and really beyond expectations."

Throughout this week Christchurch Priory will host an art exhibition by its four local schools entitled ‘800 years of cultural heritage’ and will also hold a number of musical events, including a Choral Evensong and an organ recital.