Braintree Celebrates 750th Anniversary of Charter

A magnificent parade of decorative floats through Braintree town centre, for the anniversary celebrations of the Charter granting by 'England's worst King'.

Most famous for signing Magna Carter, the Great Charter, King John of England granted a Market Charter to Braintree at the start of his reign in 1199. 750 years later the town of Braintree commemorate with a procession of decorated floats through the town centre, the patriotic red, white and blue colours featuring heavily. Bocking Women’s Institute, the local Young Farmers, and Black Notley Hospital all take part in this impressive parade, wearing elaborate costume.

Then Braintree resident and General Practitioner Dr R. Wright captured this event in 1949, in which his own children feature. Dr Wright produced a number of home movies shot on 16mm film, in addition to recording this town celebration.