Wareham Court Leet


   
During the latter part of November, a quaint band of men can be seen gathering inside Wareham pubs they merrily start their work, under the supervision of 'Mr. Bailiff. They check the quality of leather goods, weigh a sample of the local bread. taste and report on the quality of the ale, sweep the pub chimney and so on: often levying the Landlord for failing to maintain suitable standards.

These men are the Officers and Jury of the Wareham Court Leet: a present day survival of an ancient local court, which existed long before the current parallel systems of local and central government. They are carrying out a ceremony handed down through the generations.

These courts were once held in most towns and villages in the country, presided over by the Lord of the Manor and dealt exclusively with local matters.

www.court-leet.org

     
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