AS TRADITIONS go Ashburton’s Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony goes back a long way.

The ancient ceremony traces its roots back over 700 years and it took place this weekend, back in its rightful spot of the third Saturday in July after two years of covid precautions.

Bread and ale were such important staples of the medieval diet that their quality and price were a significant concern to the authorities. 

This led to the first law in British history to regulate the production and sale of food – the Assize of Bread and Ale – and these traditions are still followed in the town.

The event is organised by the Ashburton Courts Leet and Baron, who as well as appointing a Portreeve and Master Bailiff, also  still appoint Ale Tasters and Bread Weighers although their role is now purely ceremonial.

Saturday’s procession, with the participants attired in medieval garb, wound its way around the town calling at both hostelries and bakers to ensure that both good ale and bread was sold.

The weighed bread was auctioned off after the event, raising more than £240 to help fund new defibrillators for the town.