Calls for bank holiday to mark 1,100 years since Athelstan meeting

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 05:59 · Archive

Politicians and historians are calling for a bank holiday on 12 July 2027 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of King Athelstan's meeting at Eamont Bridge near Penrith.

On 12 July 927, King Athelstan met other rulers at Eamont Bridge in Cumbria, in events closely associated with the creation of unified England. Exactly 1,100 years later, 12 July 2027 will fall on a Monday, prompting calls for it to be designated a special bank holiday.

Reform MP Andrew Rosindell and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey have both backed the proposal. Historian Tom Holland, co-host of The Rest is History, has criticised the lack of major national celebrations planned for the anniversary. 'It is ludicrous that we have this opportunity to mark the birth of our country and nobody cares,' he said. Mr Holland said discussions had taken place to try to ensure the anniversary was properly celebrated but claimed they had 'gone absolutely nowhere'.

Athelstan had conquered the Viking kingdom of York shortly before the Eamont meeting, greatly extending his control across the territory which would become England. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that on 12 July 927, Athelstan reached agreements with other rulers through pledges and oaths. He subsequently became known as the 'King of the English'.

The Government said: 'While an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy is considerable.' No further bank holiday has been approved.

How it is being reported

• Calls for bank holiday 1,100 years after historic Cumbria meetingA historic gathering near Penrith almost 1,100 years ago is at the centre of calls for an additional bank holiday next summer.Westmorland Gazette · 13 Nov, 05:00
• Calls for bank holiday 1,100 years after historic Cumbria meetingA historic gathering near Penrith almost 1,100 years ago is at the centre of calls for an additional bank holiday next summer.News & Star · 13 Nov, 05:00
• Calls for bank holiday 1,100 years after historic Cumbria meetingA historic gathering near Penrith almost 1,100 years ago is at the centre of calls for an additional bank holiday next summer.Whitehaven News · 13 Nov, 05:00
• Calls for bank holiday 1,100 years after historic Cumbria meetingA historic gathering near Penrith almost 1,100 years ago is at the centre of calls for an additional bank holiday next summer.NW Evening Mail · 13 Nov, 05:00

In this story: King Athelstan · Tom Holland · Andrew Rosindell · Sir Ed Davey · Eamont Bridge · Penrith · Cumbria · England

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