Taunton's Court Leet law day upholds tradition (From Somerset County Gazette)
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Taunton's Court Leet law day upholds tradition
9:00pm Thursday 25th November 2010 in News
Taunton's Court Leet law day upholds tradition
Taunton Court Leet held its annual Law Day ceremony on Friday, November 12 in the old Council Chamber of the Municipal Buildings.
The ancient ceremony was presided over by the Senior Bailiff, Mr David Brown.
23 Jurors were appointed and sworn in by the Steward, Mr Bill Morris, who gave a talk on some aspects of the court’s history, which dates back to the 8th century when it was responsible for maintaining criminal and civil law in Taunton.
Officers were traditionally involved with supervising how the Borough was run and included Rhine Ridders, who looked after the sewers, Shamble Keepers, who oversaw the butchers and vegetable markets, and Ale Tasters, whose job was self-explanatory.
The day was attended by such guests as Taunton Deane Mayor, Councillor Jefferson Horsley, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Brian Tanner, and the High Sheriff of Somerset, Mrs Pat Hunt.
