ASHBURTON’S tradition of ale tasting and bread weighing is held on the third Saturday in July each year. Until the time of the Magna Carta there was no check on the price or quality of these staple products. Ashburton's records of its ale tasters fining brewers for selling bad drink date back to the 13th century, soon after the first ale conners were appointed in London in 1276. Today’s ceremony in St Lawrence Lane keeps


alive this ancient tradition with a colourful procession through the town at 3pm by members of the Courts Leet and Baron Juries, Town Council and other local people in medieval dress, culminating in a medieval fair.


Bread Weighing and Ale Tasting Ceremony


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