Page 25 - Thrapston Life May 2025

CHARTER
FAIR 2025
1020 years of market charter
If you’ve ever wondered about the design of
the Thrapston Flag (shown in the middle here)
it tells the story of two significant events in
Thrapston’s long history.
The stars and stripes show the arms of Sir
John Washington who lived in Montague House
in Chancery Lane, Thrapston, and was buried in
the churchyard of St James. Sir John was a great,
great, great uncle of George Washington (1732 –
1799) the first President of the United States of
America. The ‘Stars and Stripes’ flag of the USA
is said to have its’ origins in the Washington
family arms which can still be seen inside St
James Church today.
The river and the horses tell the story of the
granting of Thrapston Market Charter by King
John in 1205. Baldwin de Vere, the Lord of the
Manor, requested the permission of King John
to hold a market in the town every Tuesday.
King John awarded
the market charter
in return for two
palfreys (small
riding horses). This
Charter is celebrated every year by Thrapston
Fair and Charter Day so 1020 years here we are
again! 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of
the end of World War 2 which will be our focus
this year.
As always there will be plenty to see and do
throughout the afternoon with something for
everyone. We are delighted that the W.I. will be
serving teas in Thrapston Plaza and to add to
the wartime celebration feel MASH dancers will
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