Calendar

Mar
20
Wed
2024
County Durham Day: Feast of St Cuthbert
Mar 20 all-day

St Cuthbert (c.634–87), prior of Lindisfarne, is buried in Durham Cathedral.

Mar
29
Fri
2024
West Riding Day: Anniversary of Battle of Towton, 1461
Mar 29 all-day

West Riding Day marks the anniversary of the battle of Towton (1461), reputedly the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil.

The Yorkist forces defeated the Lancastians, leading to a change of royal dynasty.

Edward Duke of York deposed King Henry VI (ruled 1422–61, 1470–1) and took the crown as King Edward IV (ruled 1461–1470, 1471–83).

Mar
30
Sat
2024
Cheshire Day: Confirmation of Charter of Liberties, 1300
Mar 30 all-day

The first Cheshire Day took place in 2021.

It commemorates the date when King Edward I, who was also Earl of Chester, reconfirmed a charter of liberties for the county.

Apr
16
Tue
2024
Orkney Day: Feast of St Magnus
Apr 16 all-day

St Magnus, then Magnus Erlendsson, was Earl of Orkney (1106–c.1117).

He was sanctified in 1136.

Apr
25
Thu
2024
Huntingdonshire Day: Birthday of Oliver Cromwell
Apr 25 all-day

Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658) was an English statesman, politician and soldier.

He was MP for his native Huntingdon (1628-9).

May
1
Wed
2024
Staffordshire Day: Anniversary of Wedgwood Pottery
May 1 all-day

Staffordshire Day commemorates the foundation date of Josiah Wedgwood and Sons (1759).

The date was selected by public vote from a list that includes: 5 July – discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard (2009); 6 September – the future King Charles II hid in an oak tree in South Staffordshire (1651); 18 September – Doctor Samuel Johnson born in Lichfield (1709); 27 September – James Brindley, renowned engineer and resident of Leek, died (1772)

May
11
Sat
2024
Somerset Day: King Alfred Gathers the People
May 11 all-day

Somerset Day was selected by public vote from a shortlist that includes: 19 May – Feast of St Dunstan; 6 July – Battle of Sedgemoor.

May
16
Thu
2024
Middlesex Day: Battle of Albuera, 1811
May 16 all-day

The battle of Albuera (1811) took place during the Peninsular War, when Anglo-Portuguese forces defeated the French.

The 57th (West Middlesex) Foot suffered very heavy casualties during the battle and later celebrated the anniversary as a regimental day.

May
25
Sat
2024
Wessex Day: Feast of St Aldhelm
May 25 all-day

St Aldhelm (639–709) was Abbot of Malmesbury and Bishop of Sherborne.

May
26
Sun
2024
Kent Day: Feast of St Augustine
May 26 all-day

St Augustine of Canterbury (d.604) became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597.

The Church of England considers him to be one of its founding fathers.