Exhibition recalling King Charles appearance at Shrovetide
The then Prince of Wales turned up the ball in #Ashbourne in 2003
The display at the town's historical centre on the Market Place marks the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III.
It features a rare signed picture loaned by the Shrovetide Committee from his visit to Ashbourne on 5th March 2003. The then Prince of Wales turned up the ball at the start of the annual Royal Shrovetide Football.
Curator of the centre, Tim Baker says King Charles started play in the same way as many others before him:
"He turned up the ball in the same way as others in Ashbourne have done for years. He was hoisted up on the shoulders of players and walked through the town carrying the ball. Then he went on the plinth at Shawcroft Car Park, the same as anyone else before him.
"I remember he was absolutely charming and very interested about the game. He took it seriously calling it a part of 'Old England at its best' and he was very supportive.
"We thought it was a good time to put on this special display for our new King."