Since man began the practice of exchange and trade there have always been unscrupulous people who want to turn a fast shilling by selling inferior goods. Coupled with this there have always been people that disregard any laws and make a nuisance of themselves hence the need for law enforcers. Today we have the police force and numerous governmental bodies empowered to ensure that the various laws are adhered to. In medieval times there were no such bodies and so ordinary citizens were appointed or elected to oversee and inspect the various happenings of everyday life. Many of these positions were regarded with some degree of distain as they often were unpopular with the rest of the community or onerous jobs.

The old stannary town of Ashburton is one moorland settlement where vestiges of this old tradition can still be see today. The town has its origins firmly rooted and documented from Saxon times as is evident from today's existence of a Portreeve. The name derives from port - a 'market town' and refa - 'high official', (Clark Hall, 2004, p.274 & p.279) and refers to him being the high official at a market or in a market town. This position was appointed by authority of the king to act on his behalf in most matters. In Ashburton the earliest known Portreeve was Robert Michael who held the office in 1335, (Pilkington, 1989, p.11). One of the portreeve's duties was to reside over the Court Leet which in effect was a judicial court. Over time the Court Leet evolved into the Borough Court, allowing only freeholders to serve on it. Running alongside this court was the Court Baron which allowed only tenants to serve, this court was originally higher than the Court Leet but with the demise of the manorial system it became relegated.

Ok, so there are two courts and in the case of Ashburton they meet together on an annual basis at the Chapel of St. Lawrence on the forth Tuesday in November. It is at this gathering that the various officials are appointed, the jury of the Court Baron will elect Viewers of the Market, Viewers of the Watercourses and Pig Drovers. Along with these appointments comes the lesser posts of Constables, Searchers and Sealers of Leather. Many of these posts usually involved hassle of one kind or another and were sometimes not readily accepted. However, the Court Leet jury were responsible for electing two other posts, namely that of Ale Tasters and Bread Weighers, (Pilkington, p.13). It just maybe that the positions of Ale Tasters were more readily accepted than any of the other options. Richardson, (1999, p.37) gives the following definition of an ale taster:

"A manorial official who tested the quality and measurement of ale and beer sold within the manor. He was the forerunner of the Inspector of Weights and Measures. Alternatively called Alefounder or Aleconner and referred to in Latin documents as Gustator Cervus".

The duties of the Ale Taster were/are to visit the inns and taverns of the town and ensure that the establishments are serving a good standard of beer in the correct measures. The visit today occurs in summer when the public house will be issued with a certificate and a sprig of evergreen to hang over the door, both are assurances that the ale is good and the measures fair. Originally the tasters would have to inspect any house, or stall selling ales during markets and fairs. It has been said that originally the visits of the ale tasters led to the tradition of all inns, taverns etc having to display a sign above their doors in order to let the ale tasters know that ale was served on the premises. At Ashburton in 1788 the ale tasters put Joanna Cooke infront of the court for not allowing them to taste her ale and beer.

Today the ceremony is followed by a medieval fair, this year (2007) the event takes place on Saturday July 22nd, for further details visit the Ashburton town website - HERE

Bibliography.

Clark Hall, J. R. 2004 A Concise Anglo-Saxon Dictionary, Univ. of Toronto Press, London.

Pilkington, F. 1989 Ashburton the Dartmoor Town, Devon Books, Exeter.

Richardson, J. 1999 The Local Historians Encyclopaedia, Historical Publications, London.