RESIDENTS in Manningtree are planning to celebrate the distinction of being the only town in the region to feature in one of William Shakespeare’s plays.

The town will host two events to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death on April 23, which was also the date of his birth.

Manningtree’s fame in the time of William Shakespeare comes from its mention in Henry IV Part 1 (Act 2, Scene 4), where Falstaff is described as “that roasted Manningtree ox with the pudding in his belly”.

The Rotary Club honoured this connection in 2000 by putting up a metal sculpture of an ox, high on a wall in the centre of the town, with a lighted globe inside it to represent the pudding.

To mark the anniversary, a street gathering will be held in the centre of the town next to the ox sculpture.

There will also be a world record attempt for the most people reciting Henry V’s famous ‘St Crispin’s Day’ speech.

On April 24, there will be music, speeches and entertainment ending with the speech featuring the Manningtree Ox, in Manningtree Methodist Church, from 7pm.

Rob Sharratt, president of the Rotary Club of Manningtree Stour Valley, said: “We are delighted to help organise these two events which will emphasise the town’s links with William Shakespeare.

“The sculpture of the Ox was designed and made by a member of our Rotary Club to mark the millennium, so our club feels a real connection to it.

“It was officially unveiled for us by the actor Warren Mitchell, of Alf Garnett fame, who was a personal friend of its creator.

“We hope as many people as possible will come along and support these events, both of which are free of charge.

“We need a really good turnout for the world record attempt and hope people will be excited about the chance to be part of it. “ Anyone interested in taking part in the gathering should assemble in the lower section of South Street, next to the Ox, on April 23 from 5pm.