King's market visit

He paraded to All Saints’ Square to re-enact the day the town was given market status in 1207.

The King was accompanied by burly knights dressed in period costume as Rotherham was transformed into a medieval town.

Glorious sunshine welcomed hundreds of visitors who enjoyed traditional craft making, refreshments and stalls including herbalists and tinker traders.

In All Saints Square there were traditional skirmishes and Medieval knights, footmen, squires, yeoman, soldiers and musicians added to the atmosphere.

The Royal proclamation, originally granted to Norman Baron Eustace de Vescy, allowed Rotherham to hold markets and fairs.

It was handed down to local monks in the 15th century.

The fun heralded the start of week-long celebrations to mark the milestone.

Historical photographs of the town’s markets donated by Rotherham Archives are on display outside the main market entrance.

General market manager Robin Lambert said: “This is a historical date of enormous significance, demonstrating the importance of Rotherham’s market over an 800-year period.

“Today the market still plays an important role in the local economy, giving the town its own unique identity.”