Chudleigh visitors were given the opportunity at the weekend to step back 700 years to celebrate the granting of a Royal Charter in 1309.To mark the event, the town's history group organised a host of events including a recital of medieval music by the specially formed group Media Vita.Directed by Colin Avery, the merry band set the scene for a somewhat bawdy performance by Chudleigh Repertory and Performance Society.Peppered with many of the town's 21st century notables, The Quest for Salvation suggested how the town's charter was granted and the church paid for.Directed by Tessa Frost and written by Rod Blackshaw, the evening presented a backdrop for what was to follow.Spearheading the celebrations was Chudleigh History Group chairman Alan Brunton, who told the Advertiser: 'I'm bushed. Friday evening was a great success. We had seating in the marquee for around 160, but we couldn't get them all in and we had to open the sides up.'That shows how popular it was.'By Saturday, however, the weather had turned as revolting as the peasants and some events were cancelled, although the craft and local produce market, along with the crowning of the carnival queen, were all hailed a success.At the evening's medieval banquet Mr Brunton, transformed into an abbot, welcomed the Sheriff of Nottingham, several knights, ladies, wenches, holy men, peasants and even an executioner.'We made the best of what could have been a disastrous day,' he said. 'The banquet was a sell out. We had 150 platters and the costumes – well I just didn't recognise some people! They had gone to an awful lot of trouble to get in the mood.'We were very pleased with the way it went.'– Sharon Cook