A LECTURE will be held as part of Cockermouth’s celebrations of this year’s 800th anniversary of the granting of its first royal market charter.

The lecture by Dr Alan Crosby, a historian, author and lecturer, has been organised by the town's civic trust.

Trust chairman Phil Campbell said: "The lecture commemorates the 800th anniversary of the granting of Cockermouth’s market charter in the summer of 1221, one of the key events in the development of the medieval town.

"It will begin by outlining the importance of the lords of Allerdale and Copeland in the 12th and early 13th centuries, explaining who they were and their powerful family and political connections. From then it will discuss the series of charters granted to Cockermouth between 1210 and 1230.

"Finally, he will assess the reasons why Cockermouth flourished and grew in the medieval period, to become second only to Carlisle among the towns of Cumberland."

It will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 12. Tickets can be obtained at the Kirkgate box office at £5. All proceeds will go to the Kirkgate Trust.