One of English history's most important constitutional documents is the centrepiece of a new permanent exhibition in Faversham which opened on Saturday.

The previously rarely-seen Magna Carta is the last reissue of King Edward I’s seal and was granted due to the town’s connections with the Cinque Ports.

Now is being displayed alongside the Faversham Charters at the town hall and free for all to see.

It is one of the most celebrated documents of English history, revered the world over as one of the foundation documents of liberty and democracy.

The spectacular selection of manuscripts and other artefacts have been prepared by an all-local team, led by the town council, in a hugely important new exhibition which draws on the town's rich historical legacy.

Faversham is one of a tiny handful of English towns which can boast a medieval version of King John’s famous Magna Carta. And its version, made over 700 years ago, is one of the best-preserved of all.

One of the team behind the exhibition is rare book specialist Justin Croft who is a regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.

Also included in the exhibition are:

* Faversham’s custumal book ― a unique medieval manuscript retaining its original binding.

* The earliest surviving example of Faversham’s seal, bearing the image of a ship and dating from the year 1295.

* The town’s medieval moot horn ― a mysterious artefact used for centuries to summon meetings of the town government, and one of a very few surviving examples.

* A lifetime portrait of Henry VIII painted into an illuminated initial on the King’s charter of 1544.

* Two superb early-seventeenth-century manuscript maps of Faversham’s Creek and the Swale Estuary ― already casting new light on the town’s coastal geography.

Since the artefacts have been relatively little studied in the past, it is hoped that they will also attract a national and international audience, including via the website www.favershamcharters.org.

The exhibition was conceived during the lockdown periods of 2020-21 by a small team of local historians and archivists working with the town council, meeting almost entirely via Zoom.

Local experts Darius Wilson Associates designed and constructed the exhibition itself using state-of-the-art museum technology to ensure the highest standards of security and conservation.

The project has been achieved entirely through funding provided by Faversham Town Council, The Edward Vinson Charitable Trust, Faversham Heritage Fund and Henry Hatch Charity of Faversham Municipal Charities, Bensted’s Charity, Queenborough Fisheries Trust and Swale Borough Council.

The Mayor of Faversham, Cllr Trevor Martin who attended the launch with Faversham and Mid-Kent MP Helen Whately, said: "Faversham has a rich history and a unique collection of medieval municipal charters of which Magna Carta issued by Edward I to the barons of Faversham is probably the most well known.

"The Town Council has for some years been working to enable the display and I am proud that everyone will be able to see them."