Odiham’s Magna Carta anniversary celebrations got under way with the installation of specially-commissioned road signs.

The signs, designed by a local artist, hail the village as ‘The Gateway to the Magna Carta Trail’ and were installed last week in Odiham and North Warnborough.

They mark the start of celebrations to commemorate Odiham’s role in the signing of one of history’s most famous documents.

Jon Hale, chairman of Odiham Parish Council, described the town’s role in the signing of the document as ‘pivotal’.

“For a parish steeped in history, including more than 200 listed buildings and not to mention recognised as one of the best places in the country to live, our new signs are a most welcome addition and an entirely community-led initiative,” he said.

A weekend festival in May will take place in the surrounding villages, towns and schools.

The event promises archery and falconry, ‘live archaeology’, an Art Ale trail, a canal boat rally, a flower festival and Morris dancing, as well as a Magna Carta exhibition.

‘Bring history alive’

John Champion, chairman of The Odiham Society, says the event will unite residents.

He said: “We aim to bring history alive for everyone in Odiham and north Hampshire, embracing all and with a particular focus on schools.”

The Magna Carta, which formed the framework for democracy and personal liberty, was signed by King John in 1215, after he had ridden for five days from Odiham Castle.

The highlight of the proposed exhibition promises to be the unveiling of the Odiham Embroidery, a massive work that details the past 800 years of Odiham’s history.

Designed by artist Mary Turner, the embroidery has taken thousands of hours of work by 70 volunteer stitchers over the past two years.

The embroidery details King John’s departure from Odiham Castle in 1215, and includes scenes from an infamous heavyweight boxing match in 1788, visits from both Queen Elizabeth I and II and the impacts on the town of the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century.

The festival will take place over May 23-24, with the embroidery being unveiled to the public on May 17.

As well as the festival, British sustainable transport charity Sustrans has announced a Magna Carta Cycle Trail that will begin in Odiham and highlight the landmarks of the Magna Carta’s history.

For more information and a list events from May through to July, visit www.odihammagnacarta.com.