Portreeve's News

News, articles, diary, events, meetings and information

The Portreeve's Chains

A short history of the Portreeve's Chains of Office Dating from 1891 the Portreeve's Chains of Office are silver gilt connecting...

Are you the Mistress Baker?

Our Bread Weighers met their match during the 2022 Ale Tasting & Bread Weighing Ceremony Preceded by a jester and mediaeval musicians the...

The Gamble Report

The report makes fascinating reading and answers many common questions about the Courts On the 21st October 1988 members of the Courts...

Ale Tasting & Bread Weighing

A guide to the Ale Tasting & Bread Weighing ceremony for participants What is Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing? Ashburton’s Ale Tasting and...

“They do sell good ale here!”

The History and Legend behind Ashburton’s Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing ceremony. Each year on the third Saturday in July a procession...

Portreeve's Dinner 2021 - Quiz

1201st Portreeve's Dinner - place settings included questions relating to Ashburton and the Courts. The answers can be found here...

Administration of Justice and Ashburton

The Administration of Justice Act 1977 confirmed the continuation of Ashburton's Ancient Courts and the right to appoint a Portreeve In...

"Are You The Mayor?"

This November at our Court and Law Day ceremony I will become the 1201st Portreeve - and will then often be asked "Are you the Mayor?"

“Two Tankards of your Finest Ale Landlord!”

On Saturday, October 16th, Ashburton’s Courts Leet and Baron held their Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing ceremony

Ashburton's History and its Town Crest

Ashburton's unique history is believed to have begun in Saxon times and is reflected in the Ashburton town crest and the continuing...

Who is The Lord of The Borough?

No one individual is the Lord of the Borough of Ashburton - so who is it Historically the title "Lord of the Borough of Ashburton" passed...

Roles in the Court

Each role in the Courts Leet & Baron has a historical significance - what did they do?