In it the Queen claimed to be impressed by the "outstanding eagerness to promote good learning" that was displayed in her "beloved subjects".
In fact former headteacher Patrick Eavis believes that riotous behaviour and lawlessness in Hexham were the real reasons for its commission. A grammar school was seen as a means of controlling local youths.
Regulating the environment in which the charter is kept is crucial to slowing down the decay process. The document is badly damaged not least because it is held in place by two rusty drawing pins!
Other problems include oil stains, fading of pigment and several creases and tears. Not all of this damage is due to the mishandling by former incumbents. Jane Colbourne, senior lecturer in conservation of fine art at the University of Northumbria commented that light and atmospheric pollutants might have contributed to its deterioration. Experts at the University of Northumbria have been called in to restore this priceless document that should be finished by the summer of the year 2000.
The fully restored charter will be displayed in a specially designed box frame that will protect it from fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
The mounting and framing of the document will not only enhance its aesthetic appearance but also protect the document from condensation and moulds.
The charter will be placed in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and inspected regularly.
The current governing body of the school might like to note that the lengthy text of the charter contains the stern admonition that "should the governors of masters prove less honest and discreet that anticipated, the ultimate authority is to rest with the Archbishop of York". This threat will surely protect the charter for another 400 years.
| From "Queen's Charter" 25th June 1999 |