A MAGNA Carta flower display will be opened to the public at St James’ Church in Trowbridge from Monday, with a special floral tribute to Baron Henry de Bohun forming part of the display.

The Festival of Flowers, which will run until Friday, July 25, has been created by the churchyard gardening team, led by David Wildman, and will take place in the church and the churchyard.

They have been busy planting a display of flowers over the last six months that incorporate the key dates from 1215-2015, including the Coat of Arms of Trowbridge Baron de Bohun, who was one of the 25 barons who made King John agree the terms of Magna Carta.

The flower arrangers, led by Maelene Hunt, have also adorned the church with arrangements in the colours of the Coat of Arms to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta.

Derek Cavill, who is a churchgoer at St James’ Church, said: “Much effort has gone into this important event at St. James Church and we have been working on it for over six months.

“It has the full support of Trowbridge Town Council, which is also celebrating the County Town’s link to Baron Henry de Bohun. The Churchyard gardens have been entered into Trowbridge in Bloom.

“We also have an exhibition on the history of the Magna Carta, looking at what the Magna Carta meant to the people in 1215, how it inspired everyone and the impact it still has on world democracy today in 2015.”

In 1200, de Bohun built his castle in the centre of Trowbridge, but as it enclosed the church he built a replacement that was accessible to the local people outside of his castle walls.

This was the original building of St James’ Church and one of the church’s stained glass windows depicts de Bohun holding a scroll that represents the Magna Carta.

From Monday to Saturday, the church will be open from 10am-4pm. Refreshments will be available. Anyone is welcome and for more information, contact Ros Histed at rjhisted@hotmail.com