By 
Local amateur historian who is passionate about the the city and its history chosen as Mayor of Barton for 2023/24.
When it comes to supporting – indeed passionately promoting – Gloucester’s history, few people do more than Jon Eeles. Now Jon is set to become part of the city’s history himself, having been elected as the new Mock Mayor of Barton.
Jon has spent many years studying the English Civil War and in particular, the Siege of Gloucester which took place between August 10 and September 5, 1643. Using knowledge amassed over the years, Jon regularly gives guided tours around the City, pointing out important sites and giving a thorough run-down on exactly what happened during those desperate weeks when Gloucester – a Parliamentarian stronghold, stood against King Charles 1st and his army.
“There’s no doubt it has become something of an obsession with me,” Jon said. “I am not an official Civic Guide and I am not paid to present these tours, I simply ask for a donation to The Folk, to help keep that wonderful museum going.”
Having Jon as Mock Mayor is all the more appropriate due to the title having its roots in the very period of Gloucester’s history that is so special to him. The role of Mock Mayor is strictly non-political and very much a ‘fun’ position. Its origins lie in the restoration of the Monarchy in 1660.
Charles II, the son of the beheaded King Charles I, was none too pleased with Gloucester because the city stood against his Father during the conflict. As a punishment, he reduced the city’s boundaries, thus leaving the area we know as Barton and Tredworth outside the city. This meant the people living in what was then the parish of Barton St Mary were left without a Mayor, so they decided to make their own.
Traditionally, the position went to the person who had made the biggest fool of himself throughout the year! However, these days it is bestowed upon someone deemed to have done good work in the community.
Jon’s selfless dedication to his home City came to the attention of The Court Leet of Barton St Mary and he was invited to take up the role of Mock Mayor of Barton by its members.
Gloucester’s Town Crier, Alan Myatt, is full of praise for the way Jon promotes such a pivotal time in the Civil War and the fact that Gloucester’s determined stand almost certainly contributed to Parliament’s victory.
Alan said; “Jon is a great character, a truly local man with a passion for all that is good about Gloucester. He will make an outstanding Mayor.”
Gloucester born and bred, Jon (54) spent his early life in Tuffley and now lives in Longlevens with his wife, Sonia. By day, he works for Poeton, a metal plating company but most of his spare time goes into his love of Gloucester’s history.
“I feel honoured to have been chosen as Mock Mayor,” Jon said, “and I will do my best to keep this unique tradition going. Despite what some people say, our City has a place in history that is worth celebrating.”
The Mayor of Barton’s parade sets off at 11.00am on Saturday 2nd September and will make its way through the city’s Gate Streets, passing through King’s Square.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
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