CHRISTCHURCH will celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta after a grant for thousands of pounds was handed to organisers.

The Christchurch Culture and Learning Arena, whose activities focus on the heritage of the ancient borough, are celebrating the receipt of a grant of £7,388 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The money will go towards the commemoration in Christchurch of the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta on Monday, June 15.

King John was a frequent visitor to Christchurch Priory and the celebrations will include a re-enactment of his final visit.

The Mayor’s Parlour in the High Street and Saxon Square will be the main centre of activities from 10am to 3.30pm.

A display of vestments and regalia will be held in the Mayor’s Parlour while a Heritage Marquee in Saxon Square will house the Magna Carta Census Scrolls which visitors will be encouraged to sign as a reaffirmation of the benefits of the charter.

Christchurch History Society will provide information and a heritage trail will be led by historian Michael Andrews around the ancient Plantagenet boundary.

Pupils from Christchurch Junior School will be dressed in colourful medieval costume and Bournemouth Shakespeare Players will portray the arrival of King John and his courtiers to deliver a charter for ceremonial signing in Christchurch Priory, courtesy of the the Rev Canon Charles Stewart.

A peal of bells will herald King John’s departure towards the Constable’s House where he stayed in 1215 and a stone-mounted plaque financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant will be unveiled to commemorate his visits.

After banqueting and entertainment in the Bowling Green area, courtesy of the Kings Arms Hotel, the Town Crier will lead the Royal entourage to the Saxon Cross and the Mayor’s Parlour balcony before departure.

In addition to the HLF grant, Christchurch council is providing £500 of funding.