SEVEN hundred years in the life of Chagford was told in one evening through a spectacular outdoor performance last weekend to mark its stannary town status. The colourful celebrations were held in the square on Bank Holiday Monday to mark the granting of a Royal Charter by King Edward I in 1305, establishing Chagford as a stannary town and making it a centre for the tin trade in Devon. Dancers, singers and performers based in the town worked together to stage the performance in the round, using a selection of dazzling props and costumes. The play was devised by 81-year-old Chagford resident Mary Morton. She said: ?Celebrating our 700th birthday is important because the charter was the foundation of Chagford as a thriving town and the root of its prosperity. ?Retelling that story through a play, which has included the collaboration of so many Chagford residents, has been so much fun.? Major incidents in the town?s history, such as the stannary courthouse falling down and the tinners? riot of 1793 were included in the performance, made possible thanks to a grant from the Awards for All lottery scheme and backing from Chagford Parish Council.