Historic tapestry presented to council

A tapestry that hung in the main entrance of Hinckley's former courthouse until the building's closure last year has now been passed into the safekeeping of the Borough Council.

An official handover ceremony was held in the council chamber at The Hinckley Hub during the latest meeting of the full council. 

The presentation was made by Mrs Jean Anderson, the Deputy Chair of Leicestershire and Rutland Magistrates, and it was received on behalf of the council by the Mayor, Councillor Ozzy O'Shea.

Mrs Anderson described the tapestry as a "unique piece of history" and stressed how important it was that it should continue to stay on public display in the borough.

Councillor Maureen Cook, the council’s Executive Member responsible for Culture, Sport and Leisure, added: "I am delighted to have contributed to the transfer of this iconic artwork into the custody of the council. Once again the council has proved its commitment to our community as does the tapestry, which symbolizes our historical justice system."

It was initially commissioned for the opening of the Upper Bond Street courthouse in 2000, with every serving magistrate and staff member at that time contributing to the stitching.

The tapestry includes various historical references in its design, including: Market Bosworth Petty Sessional Division, the arms of the Magistrates Association, the red dragon standard of King Henry VII, the white boar standard of King Richard III, the Hansom Cab (which was designed and built in Hinckley by Joseph Hansom) and a mining wheel (in recognition of the area's industrial heritage).

The tapestry is now hanging on the wall of the council chamber.