IF you have ever wondered why King John asked to be buried at Worcester or who was the last man to be hanged in the city and why, worry no more.

These and other questions that keep you awake at night will be answered when a treasure trove of historical artefacts goes on show on Saturday, November 24.

The unique treasure-trove of artefacts, documents and records have been preserved in 12 miles of underground shelving at the city’s Hive history centre.

The all-day event is the high-profile launch of the year-long Archive and Records Association’s “Explore Your Archive” campaign, geared to opening-up and defusing some of the mysteries attached to archival collections held by public and private organisations across the UK and Ireland and, such is the reputation of the Hive-based Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcester has been chosen to launch the English section of this national initiative.

 It’s all free, open to the public and scholars alike, and some of the attractions, many on public display for the first time ever, make this a must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in Worcester’s colourful history.

The exhibits will include King John’s actual 1199 and 1215 Worcester Charters, original documents relating to the city’s M5 of its day, Lich Street, and photographs and other reminders of the old Worcester County Jail where upwards of 300,000 criminals spent varying periods of “bird”, the word being the old lags’ code for “time” and derived from bird-lime as used by the authorities to prevent convicts scaling the Castle Street prison’s walls.

In addition, the WAAS team will be running screenings of Worcestershire on Film, showcasing historic footage from the county’s fascinating past.

There will be free 15-minute “Explore the Past” personal drop-in advice sessions, plus a guide for parents of children researching local history with advice and suggestions and a book sale, including new and used archive, archaeology and local history stock.

Three guest speakers are also lined up to give lavishly illustrated presentations.

Professor Nicholas Vincent’s “King John and Worcester: Connections and Discoveries” will be from 1pm to 2.15pm,  Dr Pat Hughes's “Lich Street: Properties, People and Papers” will run from 2.15pm to 3pm and Bob Blandford's (aka Backenforth)“Suspended Sentences: the long and short of a century’s executions at Worcester County Gaol" will be from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Archivist Charlene Taylor said: “This all-day event will be a unique opportunity for visitors to celebrate our local and national heritage by exploring the wonderful stories held in our archives.” 

All the sessions and events are free, although pre-booking is essential for the three planned talks.  More information and links to bookings are available at explorethepast.co.uk