Curry Mallet

Curry Mallet is a Somerset village invited to take part in the 800th Magna Carta celebrations in 2015. Check out www.magnacarta800th.com.

In 1215 the Lord of the Manor, William Malet, was one of the 24 rebel barons plus the Lord Mayor of London, who forced King John to seal the Magna Carta. "The 15th June 1215 is rightly regarded as one of the most notable days in the history of the world. Those who were at Runnymede that day could not know the consequences that were to flow from their proceedings. The granting of Magna Carta marked the road to individual freedom, to Parliamentary democracy and to the supremacy of the law. The principles of Magna Carta, developed over the centuries by the Common Law, are the heritage now, not only of those who live in these Islands, but in countless millions of all races and creeds throughout the world." extract from a letter written by Prime Minister The Rt Hon Sir Anthony Eden in 1956.

The village is thought to be about 2,000 years old and Roman coins found in the vicinity suggest there was once a Roman villa here. At the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 the Manor was held by Roger de Courselles and it later passed to the Malet family until 1356 when it was sold to Sir Matthew Gourney. In 1443 the estate was transferred to the King to form part of the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy still owns many parts of the village today.

A successful history festival took place on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd 2013. Exciting events, activities and displays were planned over the course of the three days at different locations around the village, with something that interested everyone.

The aim of this festival was fivefold: as a precursor to the immense 800th Magna Carta celebrations in 2015; as a project to draw together the Church and School with the community; to raise much needed funds to help the School and to maintain and repair the Church; to promote local businesses and enterprises and to attract visitors from a wide catchment area to come and appreciate the unique environment in which we are lucky enough to live.

All these aims were achieved.