While people lived in our town before the 13th century, Congleton officially was given charter status in 1272.

Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, who's family owned our area at the time, granted Conglrton their first charter in 1272.

This allowed our town to hold fairs and markets, the latter of which we're still known for today.

The landmark movement three-quarters of a millennium ago also allowed Congleton to elect their first ever mayor and ale taster.

Speaking of, an ale taster is currently being looked for in 2022!

So to celebrate our town's big birthday 750 years on, Congleton Town Council are hosting 750 events in 2022.

But we thought we'd look back and share other historic moments which happened in 1272 - Congleton's charter year.

Here's ten things which happened in the same year Congleton became a town:

1. A Royal Death

On November 1272, aged 56, King Henry III of England passed away.

The fifth-longest serving British monarch of all-time, Henry is remembered for his long reign and his failed invasion of France.

He wasn't all great however, as he mistreated and heavily taxed English Jews, and flirted with stopping the construction of synagogues.

After vowing to lead a crusade into France, Henry would pass away. This left his son Edward I immediately became King of England following his father's death on November 16 1272.

1. Early Astronomy

Okay so this one will blow your mind. But 750 years ago, the seeds of modern astronomy were sown.

A team of Spaniards who were good at computing numbers, completed a document which mapped the exact position of celestial bodies.

They calculated the position of the Sun, Moon and planets relative to the fixed stars. The publication was known as the Alfonsine tables.

It took 20 years to complete the document, but would be a reference point for centuries to come.

1. East of England riots

High taxes were a hot issue of the day - something which hasn't changed 750 years later!

While Congleton had much to celebrate in 1272, it was a tumultuous time elsewhere in the country.

In Norwich, rioters attacked their Cathedral over high market taxes, and set fire to the gates of the monastery. Almost all of the Norman-era relics were destroyed, and some monks were killed by the attackers.