This year marks the 75th anniversary of Cambridge officially being granted city status in 1951 by King George VI, and Cambridge City Council will be marking this significant milestone throughout 2026.

To begin the year’s commemorations, The Mayor of Cambridge held a special event on Monday 13 April at the Guildhall, where guests had the opportunity to view some of the historic royal charters of Cambridge, which have recently been restored by local conservator Edward Cheese, formerly of the Fitzwilliam Museum, in time for the 75th anniversary.

Edward spoke about his conservation work so far on the precious charters, which had been mainly stored away at the Guildhall for some decades, while Dr Hannah Boston of the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Divinity, spoke about the particular significance of the early charters which help map Cambridge’s progress from Medieval times. The city’s Sargeant at Mace, Carl Higgs, also spoke to guests about the symbolism and significance of the city’s Great Mace.  

The royal charters are precious documents which reflect the developing relationship across the centuries between Cambridge and the Crown under a succession of monarchs. The oldest dates all the way back to the 13th Century reign of King John, who first granted Cambridge the right to have its own Mayor.

In total the council has 30 charters spanning 767 years, including one from Queen Elizabeth I in 1589, granting Cambridge the right to its coat of arms. The council is planning to display some of the restored charters to the public later this year, before new permanent homes are found for some of them.

Save the date – Family fun day on 12 July

Later this year Jesus Green will play host to an exciting afternoon of free entertainment for all the family, to mark the 75th anniversary of Cambridge officially becoming a city. Expect live music, stalls, food, drink and more – look out for further details coming soon.