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Few documents hold as much power and weight as royal charters. Dating back centuries, these influential decrees granted immense power and privileges to cities and their people.
Lincoln's journey through time is intrinsically tied to these royal charters, which shaped the course of its illustrious history. These ancient documents provided the framework for self-governance, enshrined civil liberties, and solidified the city's standing in the national landscape.
Spanning over a millenium, Lincoln's impressive collection of royal charters is a testament to the city's enduring importance. As a thriving medieval trading centre and a hub of political significance.
The earliest royal charter on display in Lincoln's Historic Guildhall dates back to the twelfth century. Henry II gave six charters to Lincoln, and in 1157 the Plantagenet monarch confirmed to the citizens of Lincoln all their existing liberties, customs and laws that they had held in the times of Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror and Henry I
Lincoln became self-governing following the charter of King Richard I in 1194, and asked to move from their original guildhall by King Henry III in September 1237, The Mayor and council were compensated with a gift of the rooms above the south gate by the King. The city administration have met on the site since October 1237 and continue to do so to this day.