Helmsley to join Magna Carta 800th celebrations (From Gazette & Herald)

Helmsley to join Magna Carta 800th celebrations

12:13pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By David Jeffels

HELMSLEY has been selected as one of 24 towns and villages across the country to be involved in the 800th celebrations of the Magna Carta in 2015.

Now, the town council has backed the idea which aims to mark the signing of the document by King John on June 15, 1215.

The town has been invited to take part in the event because Sir Robert de Ros of Helmsley was one of the 25 barons to guarantee the observance of the Magna Carta.

In 1191, at the age of just 14, Sir Robert, who was known as Baron of Helmsley and Sheriff of Cumberland, paid a 1,000 marks fine for livery of his lands to King Richard 1.

In 1197, according to historic records, while serving King Richard in Normandy, he was arrested for an unspecified offence and was committed to the custody of Hugh de Chaumont, but he was later allowed to escape.

When King John came to the throne, he gave Ros the barony of his great grandmother’s father and soon afterwards he was deputed one of those to escort swear fealty to King John.

However, some years later he became a monk, say the records.

The invitation to take part in the celbrations, which are still being planned, has been sent to the town council by a genealogy organisation in Walkern, Hertfordshire, said town clerk Dinah Farley.

“The council is keen to build on the great three days we had for the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,” she said.

Coun Chris Parkin said: “This is an important landmark in Helmsley’s history.

I hope we can get everyone involved in the celebrations in the town.”

Having agreed to support the celebrations, the town council is now awaiting further details from the organisers.