Lake District market celebrates 750 years

A town is celebrating 750 years of its local market.

In 1276, King Edward I granted Keswick a charter giving the town the right to hold a weekly Saturday market and an annual fair.

Keswick Museum curator Nicola Lawson said there was not any documentation from early markets, but "we know that in the 1600s Keswick market was selling items such as leather and dairy".

Cumberland Council said it would host several medieval-themed activities, including a reenactment of the charter handover, children's entertainment and street performers on Saturday.

Lawson said: "The weekly market tradition has remained steady throughout the last 750 years."

She said its "continued presence has kept this core part of Keswick's history alive" with stalls adapting over the years, now including locally made jewellery and art.

Phil Byers, who manages the market, said there were "far too many memories" to pick just one favourite but added the "special events and celebrations we've held over the years always stand out".

Cumberland Council's assistant director of thriving places Michael Barry said the day would "bring together traders, residents and visitors" with a "unique chance to experience a little of Keswick's history".

The council said the reenactment of the charter handover would go ahead at 12:00 BST, with a town crier reading out its modern-day translation.

A juggling jester, other medieval characters and street performers will form part of children's entertainment from 08:00 to about 16:30.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Cumbria on BBC Sounds.