The Charter

In 1607 King James I granted Romsey a royal charter, which gave the town borough status. It also created the positions of mayor, aldermen and burgesses as the Town Corporation. Furthermore, there was to be a High Steward, Town Clerk and Court Recorder together with two sergeants-at-mace. Later in the year the King visited the St Barbe family at Broadlands and planted mulberry trees (to feed silkworms) as part of his ambition to establish an English silk industry.

The Town Council has celebrated the 400th anniversary of this important event in 2007.  As these events are now completed, this page is to be removed from the website.