KNUTSFORD Heritage Centre is staging a series of events this year and next to commemorate King Canute.

From May 5 to July 26 this year, the ‘Conquest of England’ exhibition will mark the Viking invasion in 1015 led by ‘Cnut the Great’. A section of the exhibition will also celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

Next year’s activities will mark the thousandth anniversary of King Canute being crowned King of England at Winchester in 1016.

Supported by Monckton Properties and Knutsford Town Council, this year’s exhibition will benefit from links established with bodies in other parts of England that have a connection to Canute, whose bones lie in Winchester Cathedral.

In keeping with the Heritage Centre’s commitment to the local community, for schools, initiatives related to the celebrations will include an education pack and talks by experts in medieval history.

Diane Lomax, one Knutsford Heritage Centre’s Trustees, said: "Whatever the spelling, Canute or Cnut – or Knut in German, Knud in Danish or Knutr in Old Norse – the link to Knutsford’s name is veiled in the mists of legend.

“But nowhere else in Cheshire can lay claim to being associated with what was an important turning point in England’s history.

“The Heritage Centre will be energetically promoting this year’s and next year’s events far beyond Knutsford. As unique visitor attractions, we also expect them to benefit Knutsford’s shops, restaurants and pubs.

“Led by Val Bryant, the Heritage Centre Trustee responsible for exhibitions and archives, a tremendous amount of time has been invested in research to ensure the quality of the Canute celebrations and related activities will be as interesting for adults – and as exciting and engaging for children – as previous commemorative events we have staged.”

Val Bryant, formerly textile coordinator, Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, added: "Knutsford deserves its place on the map as a tourist destination – and confirming what residents have always known, a recent survey by The Times newspaper recognised the town as being among the best places to live in Britain.

“The Canute Millennial presents Knutsford with marvellous opportunities for both community-based and commercial spin-offs.

“As cultural focal point, the Heritage Centre is ideally placed to act in a coordinating role.

“There a lots of people in Knutsford with the vision and energy to create and support a successful series of Canute-themed events. Collectively, we could do no better than follow the example of the Tapestry, with individuals, activity groups and businesses working together in harmony.”