Penrith Market celebrates 800th anniversary

2023 marks the 800th anniversary of the awarding of Penrith's Market Charter.

To mark the occasion of the market's octocentenary, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, was joined by the Leader of Westmorland and Furness shadow council, Cllr Jonathan Brook; the Leader of Eden District Council, Cllr Virginia Taylor; the Chair of Eden District Council, Cllr, Douglas Banks; the Interim Chief Executive of Eden District Council, Ian Frost; and Penrith Town Mayor, Charlie Shepherd, to see the market's latest incarnation in Penrith Town Centre.

Also present were Fergus McMorrow, Eden District Council's Assistant Director, Development and Charlie Thornton, Eden District Council's Economic Development Officer. Members of the Penrith Players also attended, dressed as Henry III and his Queen, Eleanor of Provence, to lend some colour to the occasion.

Penrith gained its market charter from Henry III in 1223, after the reinstatement of the former Roman bridge crossing the Eden at Brougham revived the old roman road, or modern A6, through the town, once more making it an important strategic and trading centre.

Penrith Market, which is held every Tuesday in the Town Centre, is managed and supported by Eden District Council and welcomes local traders selling a selection of goods. For more information, visit www.eden.gov.uk