FLINT

Flint market dates back to a 'Charter' granted
on 4th February 1278, one year after Edward I had defeated Llewelyn in the wars between the English and the Welsh. Flint narrowly missed having a Norman-French name. The Great County Court was held in Flint four times a year during the reign of Edward I. In September 1284, Edward I granted the First Charter to Flint and created the town a Free Borough and the Constable of the Castle, Reginald de Grey the first Mayor of the new Borough

At Rhuddlan in 1284, Edward I issued the Statute of Rhuddlan which divided North and West Wales into counties including the County of Flint. On 7 December 1327, Edward III granted a Second Charter to the Burgesses. This was actually a ratification and extension of the First Charter granted by his grandfather Edward I.

The Third Charter was granted by Edward the Black Prince by virtue of his powers as Earl of Chester, on 20 September 1361. The Fourth Charter was bestowed on Richard II on 29 November 1395. The Fifth Charter was granted by Philip and Mary on 5 November 1555 and the Sixth Charter by William on 19 December 1700.

Edward I built a castle at Flint to pacify his new subjects and the English settlers, who came there to live, brought special rights including the privilege of holding a weekly market.

On all goods the burgesser charged a toll, payment of which was much resented by the Welsh. However, the provision of a weekly market for their agricultural goods was a new benefit and it is reasonable to assume they enjoyed their weekly visit.