With the hub-bub of the market stalls doing brisk business as a back drop, the Lord of the Manor of Axminster Jim Rowe performed the ancient "The Glove Is Up' ceremony, watched by a crowd on the Minster Green.

Auctioneer Mr Rowe inherited the market rights from his late father Frank Rowe and has officiated at the ceremony for many years.

Historically, the raising of the glove signified the start of a week of celebrations during which the good burghers of Axminster could let their hair down as it was decreed that during this period non could be arrested or hung!

Mr Rowe carried out his duties in usual hilarious fashion, picking out a number of familiar faces in the crowd, including former mayors.

The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, the Rector of Axminster, the Reverend Clive Sedgewick, and town crier Nick Goodwin

In recent times, the Cherry Fairy, organised by Light Up Axminster, has followed on for the glove ceremony but was unable to take place this year because of COVID-19.

The text of the 1210 Charter

"Grant of the Free Borough of Axminster with the Fair and Market there.

"JOHN by the Grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine.

"To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves and all Bailiffs, and faithful subjects, GREETINGS.

"KNOW YE that we have given and granted, and by this our present CHARTER confirmed, to our chosen and faithful WILLIAM BREWER, that Axminster be a Free Borough, and that there be a Free Market there once every seven days for one day, and one Fair in every year for the space of eight days; that is to say from the day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist to eight days, with toll for Pesage, Lastage and Stallage, and with all other Liberties and Free Customs pertaining to a Free Borough and to a Market and Fair.

"We have also granted to the aforesaid WILLIAM that his Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough be Free Burgesses, and be free of Tolls for Pontage, Pesage, Lastage and Stallage, and have all the Liberties and Free Customs and Acquittances which belong to us through all this our Realm and through all the Ports thereof (except the City of London). Whereof it is our Will, and we command, that the aforesaid WILLIAM and his Heirs after him have and hold all the aforesaid well and in peace, liberty and quiet, uninterruptedly, fully and in an honourable manner, with all his Liberties and Free Customs as aforesaid."