A 700-YEAR-OLD tradition will be upheld in Ashburton when the town’s ale and bread is checked. 

Dating back to the 14th Century, The Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony is still celebrated today.

Now ceremonial, this year’s event takes place on the Saturday July 20. 

Bread and ale were important staples of the mediaeval diet and the quality and price were a significant concern. 

This led to the first law in British history to regulate the production and sale of food - the Assize of Bread and Ale.

The Leet Court would appoint Ale Conners to test the quality of ale sold in pubs and inns while the assizes would adjust the weight of a farthing loaf of bread so that as the price of wheat fluctuated, the price of a loaf remained stable.

Today, in addition to appointing the Portreeve and Master Bailiff, Ashburton’s Leet Court still appoints Ale Tasters and Bread Weighers. 

During the ceremony, Ale Tasters and Bread Weighers process around the town with the Portreeve, Master Bailiff and other members of Leet and Baron juries, all dressed in mediaeval costume.

The procession visits each pub and bakery where the beer is quaffed and tested, bread is weighed, certificates awarded and a sprig of greenery hung at the door. 

Following the ceremony, the Portreeve’s mediaeval cup is awarded to the best dressed landlord or landlady and a rolling pin to the best dressed baker.

After the ceremony, the procession makes its way to the town centre where bread is auctioned with money raised donated to the Portreeve’s fund and used to support local causes.

The ceremony starts at 2pm in St Lawrence Lane.