A TREE has been planted in People's Park, Banbury, to commemorate the town charter.
Next year will be the 400th anniversary of the granting of the charter by King James I in 1608. The mulberry tree was chosen for its association with silk weaving - which the King wanted to promote - and was dug in by mayor Kieron Mallon and councillor Ann Bonner.
The planting was a joint effort because Mr Mallon will be mayor for the first part of 2008, and Ms Bonner will take over the office for the remainder of next year.
A mulberry tree was chosen because King James was keen to promote the silk weaving industry in Britain, and silkworms live on mulberry leaves.
Mr Mallon said: "But King James planted the wrong type of mulberry tree. He chose black, but silkworms thrive on white mulberries.
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