IN HIS recent letter to the Guardian, entitled ‘Get Facts Right’, Michael Gibson warns the people of Knutsford against celebrating an event that never actually took place.

I would be surprised if many Knutsfordians actually believe in the legend of Canute fording our River Lily or even the River Birkin.

Legend it is and one that has been a fine local tradition since the early17th century.

I choose to call it legend rather than myth, as I believe that there was at least one occasion when the Viking army, led by Canute, passed through the western side of England – the story may be based on some kind of fact, although, as Michael rightly states, the name is not proof in itself.

The Heritage Centre exhibition, Viking Warrior and English King, celebrates the 1,000 years since Canute was declared King of England.

His story culminates in England, Denmark, Norway and part of Sweden eventually being ruled by Canute as the North Sea Empire.

The exhibition illustrates the way of life of the Viking people and explains how they settled in and conquered England over a number of centuries.

The final panels look at the Knutsford connection with Canute that several generations have forged for themselves and the town.

This putative connection, along with its symbolism of Canute and the waves, used by Caldwell’s nurseries and the town council in the past, being represented in the town’s coat of arms and even portrayed on the Knutsford Academy’s school badge, has itself become part of the town’s history.

Of this tradition we should be proud.

So let us enjoy the “much welcome fun”, to quote Michael, and participate happily in one of those public events that Knutsford does so well.

Wendy Moleas Chairman of the Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre