Celebrating 400th anniversary of Waterford's Great Governing Charter
A talk on the Great Governing Charter of 1626, a section of which is pictured here, will take place on June 10 at the Medieval Museum.
In 1626, the city of Waterford was granted a new charter by King Charles I, which confirmed all previous charters and privileges granted to the city.
For the 400th anniversary of this charter, known as the Great Governing Charter, a commemorative event will be held at the Medieval Museum, Cathedral Space in Waterford city on Wednesday, June 10, at 4.30pm.
Historians will take a closer look at the significance of this charter and will also examine the Waterford of 1626 amidst the politics and societal setting of the past.
Julian Walton, historian and author of “The Royal Charters of Waterford”, will give a brief introduction to the charter, while Dr David Edwards will explore the Ireland of 1626 when the charter was issued.
Professor Pádraig Ó Macháin will talk about the decoration of the charter in context.
One such term within this charter gave the Mayor of Waterford the power to hold admiralty court within the harbour, as the 'Admiral of the Harbour'. As part of this tradition, the Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, each year, shoots a ceremonial dart into the estuary where the three rivers meet, claiming the waters for the city of Waterford as per the tradition commenced all those years ago.
This event is free, however, booking is necessary for entry. You can book on Eventbrite by searching Waterford and the Great Governing Charter of 1626.
