A HISTORIC tradition involving a procession to one of Somerset's most iconic landmarks saw a huge turn out of participants and spectators on Sunday, March 17.

Law workers ranging from Presiding Judges and other members of the judiciary, to the Leader of the Western Circuit, other barristers and legal officials, descended upon Wells for the annual Legal Sunday service this weekend.

Every year, they are met by the High Sheriff, the Lord Lieutenant, the County and Civic dignitaries and the local gentry, following a procession to Wells Cathedral, which precedes a reception in the town hall.

The service marked the formal appointment of the new High Sheriff of Somerset, Robert Beckley, who was sworn in after reading a long and detailed oath of office.

Members of the King's Counsel attended the service in traditional full bottom wigs, tights and buckled shoes.

The history of the Western Circuit dates back to the Middle Ages, and consists of the counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Bristol, and since 1971 Gloucestershire, which previously belonged to the old Oxford Circuit.

For centuries two judges of the Royal Courts in London came on circuit twice a year in March/April and July/August to try civil and criminal cases at the Assizes.

They visited Winchester, Salisbury, Dorchester, Exeter, Launceston (and later Bodmin), Taunton in April, and Bridgwater (until 1853), and Wells every other year in August.