Reader's letter: Royal privilege

I have been intrigued to see the references to Royal Newark in Bloom in the Advertiser on several occasions recently, the latest being in the article relating to the judging taking place for the East Midlands in Bloom competition.

The same title appears on the Newark in Bloom Facebook page.

Newark Market, but only the market, received the Royal Charter from King Edward VI in 1549, entitling the stalls to proudly bear the wording Newark Royal Market.

It is my understanding that a town can only use the prefix ‘Royal’ when the Royal Charter has been granted.

Have I missed something?

When did our town receive the right to call itself Royal Newark and what did we do to earn that privilege?

Someone enlighten me, please.­ — D. BURGESS, via email.