Press Release

14thJuly, 2016

Pontefract’s part in Magna Carta

On Fri 15th July, the Magna Carta monument ribbon was cut by Michael Sayles Fox, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, accompanied by Cllr Denise Jeffery, Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council, Fr, Bob Cooper, pupils from Carleton Park School, with Peter Cookson (President), Paul Cartwright (Chair) and his wife Christine.

The ceremony was attended by 70 invited guests from the civic society, other community representatives, the local authority, and the craftsmen who have delivered the project.

Michael Fox DL, said, “It is a great privilege to be asked to take part in the recognition of the 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta via this Pontefract stone monument, where Baron John De Lacy played a key role in forcing King John to seal this charter, which meant no one was above the law, even the King”.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, said, “Cllr Denise Jeffery, said: “I’m very proud of Pontefract’s historic links to Magna Carta. I’d like to congratulate members of Pontefract Civic Society for all their hard work and thank everyone who has contributed their time and efforts to create this new monument”.

We saw participation from Fr. Bob Cooper and pupils from Carleton Park School Council. Proceedings were then brought to a close in the Nelson Room of Pontefract Town Hall, where displays were seen on Pontefract Civic Society and Magna Carta, a poem, “Magna Carta” was read by Elma Mangnall, followed by a speech and thanks from civic society chair, Paul Cartwright, who said, “It has been a long two year project, though an incredible day, today, with the ribbon cut on a £30k high quality hand crafted monument to show Pontefract’s link with Magna Carta. We hope that local people and visitors will be a little more informed about the significant position of Pontefract through history, and future projects will also support this”.

Donations are still being sought.

For further details go to or contact the Chair, Paul Cartwright on 01977 708658, or email

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For further information contact:

Paul Cartwright

Chairman

Telephone:01977 708658

Email:

Notes for Editors

  1. Pontefract Civic Society was established as a registered charity in 1969 to promote and support the well-being of Pontefract in all its aspects
  1. Pontefract Civic Society’s mission is to raise the profile of Pontefract as a place to live, work, do business and visit by protecting and enhancing the environment
  1. Pontefract Civic Society is both a member of Civic Voice, the national umbrella organisation for the civic movement, and YHACS – the Yorkshire & Humber Association of Civic Societies.