A group of history loving volunteers have launched a campaign to help promote Hadleigh heritage, tourism and economy.

The King Guthrum Group aim is to make people more aware of the town's link to this historically significant figure, to ensure Hadleigh's local heritage is better understood and appreciated.

In turn the King Guthrum Group, which has applied to the Charity Commission for Charitable Incorporated Organisation status, want to help promote tourism to the town, as well as helping the local economy.

The group consists of Hadleigh town councillor Huw Roberts, Babergh district councillor Kathryn Grandon, historian Susan Andrews and James Wilding, church warden at St. Mary's Church but is hoping more will join the band of volunteers and is seeking help and support from other individuals and groups.

Huw Roberts, chair of the King Guthrum Group said: "We welcome contact from people with all sorts of skills and interests: running events and attractions, fund raising, engaging with schools and education, design and production of posters, leaflets, website and video production, art, community engagement, communication, an interest in history and culture.

"Supporting the Group will not take up too much time, and even if you don't have specific skills, you can contribute the most important thing: enthusiasm."

Fundraising will take place to support activities such as public events, education, tourism, historical research and publications, community engagement, and to foster links with other locations and organisations associated with King Guthrum, his life and times.

A memorial or statue for the town may also be considered as a possibility to mark the fearsome Viking who found Christianity and brought peace to East Anglia.

Guthrum (c. 835 – c. 890) was King of East Anglia in the late 9th century. According to chronicle, and later tradition, King Guthrum is reputedly buried in Hadleigh, and is the first person associated with the town to be named in historical records.

Originally from Denmark, he was one of the leaders of the Great Summer Army of 871, which conquered East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria, but were ultimately defeated by King Alfred at the Battle of Edington in 878.

Under the terms of the subsequent peace treaty, Guthrum was baptised as a Christian, and he and Alfred set out the boundaries of their kingdoms, and agreed on peaceful trade terms.

The treaty is seen as the foundation of the Danelaw and Guthrum ruled under his baptismal name of Æthelstan until his death.

The King Guthrum Group hopes to make a positive impact on the town's appreciation of its heritage, the local economy, and give the people of Hadleigh something to enjoy in challenging times.

To get in touch, email: [email protected]