ON June 25, Axbridge Town Trust celebrated the 400th anniversary of having two ceremonial maces in their care.

The maces have been used for civil ceremonies since they were created and granted to Axbridge under James I’s Royal Charter of 1623.

They were retired from public use three years ago to protect them from any damage as they are fragile and irreplaceable.

The historical occasion was marked by a celebratory event, held first at Axbridge Town Hall and then at The King John's Hunting Lodge Museum, which was attended by several local dignitaries, including the High Sherriff of Somerset, Robert Drewett and the Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, Martin Thatcher.

The event was also attended by mayors from towns across Somerset, the Mayor of Axbridge, Francesa Mitton, Axbridge councillors, chairman of Axbridge Town Trust Mike Anderson and trustees (who looked after the maces on behalf of the town) and Axbridge residents.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: The ceremonial maces in their new home at The King Johns Hunting Lodge Museum, alongside the new hand-carved wooden maces. The ceremonial maces in their new home at The King Johns Hunting Lodge Museum, alongside the new hand-carved wooden maces. (Image: Axbridge Town Trust)

A talk on maces, their history, and the Axbridge maces, and how they have survived for an incredible four centuries, was given by local historian John Page.

The King John's Hunting Lodge Museum, a wool merchant’s house leased by the National Trust to Axbridge and District Museum Trust, will be the new home for the maces, which are now on public display.

Axe Valley Menshed has created two magnificent hand-carved wooden maces for Axbridge Town Council to use at future civic ceremonies.

There was a ceremonial handover to these newly created maces as the originals were placed in their new home.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: Local historian John Page gave a talk about the maces.Local historian John Page gave a talk about the maces. (Image: Axbridge Town Trust)

Speaking about the event, Mike Anderson, the Chairman of Axbridge Town Trust, said: “It was a privilege to be chairman, at the time of such a historical celebration.

“Axbridge has a fantastic history, and the 400-year-old ceremonial maces form part of this.

“It was a pleasure to work with the town council to mark this occasion, and we thank all the guests that attended.

“To have the maces on display in their new cabinet in King John's Hunting Lodge Museum means that they are now able to be viewed by many more people.”