The official document handed over by our new King, Charles III that made Southend-on-Sea a City, is now on public display at the Southend Central Museum.
The letters patent is the official written order issued by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to which the Great Seal of the Realm is attached, and declares that Southend-on-Sea is a City.
The honour was bestowed by Her Majesty in October 2021 and announced in Parliament by the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, following the tragic death of Sir David Amess MP, after he had spent years campaigning for Southend-on-Sea to become a City.
Now as we approach the first anniversary of City Status Day (1 March), the letters patent is presented in a specially made display case and on show for residents and visitors to see in the Southend Central Museum.
The Worshipful The Mayor Cllr Kevin Robinson, went to see the display along with the Mayoress. He said: “It is fascinating to see such a historical and important document on display where members of the public are able to view it. Especially so as we could never have known that in the same year we were given this document, Her Majesty The Queen would herself pass away.
“This is a vital part of our City’s history and while it was Cllr Margaret Borton who was the Mayor on 1 March 2022, when the letters patent was presented to the City, I am truly honoured a year later to be presenting them to the public.”
To find out opening times of the museum please visit their website.
Photos can be found on our Flickr page.