Competition to mark 400th Anniversary of Worcester City Charter

On 2 October 1621, James I put his seal to the Charter that granted Worcester the rights and constitution which still form the basis for modern governance of the city today.

But what difference did that make?  Now's your chance to do some research and find out why the Charter matters - and what difference it has made to the running of the city since 1621.

Write a stand-out essay, and you could win a prize worth up to £500!  Winning entries will be published.

There are several local places which could help you to research - including your local library, Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service at The Hive, Worcester City Museum, The Commandery, Worcester Cathedral, NT Greyfriars and The Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum.

Feel free to include maps, drawings and images in your entry.  Remember - the work must be your own and if you take content from other sources, you must credit them.

There are three categories to enter:

Children aged 8 – 12 (School Years 3-7)

£100 worth of book tokens

What were the main organisations, institutions, industries, churches, building and charities which existed in Worcester around 1621 – and which people were influential?  Write up to 1,000 words.

Young people aged 13 to 18  (School Years 8-13)

£250 worth of book tokens

Based on reading a briefing on the contents of James I Charter for the City of Worcester, choose one question and write up to 2,000 words.

Open competition for age 18 +

£500 (paid to winner by cheque)

Based on a precis of the contents of the Charter of 1621, we invite an essay of up to 10,000 words on a topic which relates directly to either the Charter, Worcester in 1621, or the development of the places, people and institutions referred to in the Charter over the last 400 years.What is their significance today?

The competition is supported by Worcestershire Historical Society, Worcestershire Archaeological Society and the Friends of Worcestershire Archives.

To enter, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. requesting a Charter competition registration form. Please state the category you wish to enter.

Deadline for entries is 3 September.  Winners will be publicly announced on 2 October.

Good luck!