THE people of Droitwich could be forgiven for thinking they might have travelled back in time over the weekend, with a town full of people in period costume marking the 800th anniversary of the town’s charter.

The charter, which was originally granted by King John, allowed the people of Droitwich to produce salt from the King’s wells, creating the business that Droitwich Spa was built on.

To mark the anniversary, a procession of civic dignitaries, made up of familiar people in Droitwich dressed up as figures from the past, travelled down from St Andrew’s Church to the canal, where they met a ‘royal barge’ returning the 13th century king to Droitwich, along with his entourage played by members of the Norbury Players.

‘King John’, played by town councillor Alan Humphries, then presented the people of Droitwich with a new charter, to replace the original which had been lost centuries ago, before a short ceremony back at St Andrew’s Church.

The procession took place twice throughout the day to ensure it was seen by as many people as possible.

Councillor Bob Brookes helped to organise the celebrations. He said: “We got a magnificent turn out and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves, and that’s what it’s all about. The Norbury Players excelled themselves. We had a wonderful King John.”

Town mayor Councillor Graham Beale took part in the procession as a bishop. He added: “The Norbury Players were wonderful and it was quite funny. It’s a history lesson for something that’s specific to Droitwich so that’s nice.”

As well as the re-enactment there was also a street market in the town centre with a medieval-themed buffet provided by the Bannut Tree Farm Shop, and people volunteered to be placed in the town’s new set of stocks built by retired teacher Dick Jones, to have wet sponges thrown at them.

The Gardener’s Arms also joined in with the fun, organising a mini music and cider festival in a marquee in Vines Park.