Modern jurors of Warwick’s Court Leet

And most holders of the titles will be represented tonight (Friday) when town mayor Moira-Ann Grainger is due to attend the annual Bailiff’s Dinner in The Court House.

The Court Leet, which dates back to 1554, still receives quarterly reports from townsfolk with honorary positions such as the Ale Taster, Pavement Looker, Brook Looker, Surveyor of Buildings and Herald.

Former county councillor Clare Hopkinson is also the High Sheriff and town clerk Derek Maudlin regularly dons a wig to serve as the Steward.

Originally the court dealt with petty crime and had the power to determine most matters brought before them.

John Fletcher, one of the 24 jurors today, said: “Records show that in 1939 the Court still had four chamberlains of the Commonable Lands of St Mary, two bread weighers, two fish and flesh tasters, two overseers of pavements, two ale tasters, two butter weighers, one herd, and one pinner, or person responsible for impounding stray beasts.

“The offices of chamberlain were extinguished in 1966 but it wasn’t until 1975 that the fish and flesh tasters went, although the ale taster remained.

Town Constables were also kept and today there are 12 responsible for the town’s north, south and west wards.

l Anne Henderson was a former bailiff who last year revived the annual dinner. Sadly she died shortly afterwards.