A light-hearted look back at Lichfield’s heritage has been held at the Guildhall.

Steward of the Manor Peter Young tries to keep the Court in order. Pic: Robert Yardley
Steward of the Manor Peter Young tries to keep the Court in order. Pic: Robert Yardley

The traditional St George’s Day Court, known as the View of Frankpledge, has been held every year since the middle ages, when the townsfolk had to attend to pledge their fidelity to the sovereign and the lord of the manor.

But the Court now takes on a more relaxed atmosphere and saw a jury of citizens ‘fining’ those who had failed to answer their summons to attend.

High Constables Joe Powell and Andrew Lock also spoke on the city’s law and order in the last year, while Pinners John Smith and Bob Awty, whose job is round up stray cattle into the pinfold, gave news of a less than eventful year. And the Ale Tasters Nick Sedgwick and Colin Ablitt testified to their highly demanding role sampling the quality of the ale in all the city’s public houses.

Real Ale was also available on the day courtesy of Burton Bridge Brewery, who delivered it to the Guildhall in their 1930’s Morris. The event ended with the traditional toast to “the immortal memory of St George – patron saint of England”.

Lichfield Mayor, Brian Bacon, in his role as Lord of the Manor, said: “It was a wonderful event and it was great to see the local tradition upheld in such style, and to mark our English patron saint”.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Doopster
11 years ago

I’m really, really pleased that the people who’s wages we pay had a lovely, fun day at our expense. Oh for a job like that.