'Participants waste no time in dispersing to Ashburton’s excellent inns' — Historic ale and bread ceremony returns to Devon town

Ashburton’s annual Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony returns this Saturday, 19 July, reviving a mediaeval tradition that has been part of the town’s heritage for centuries.

The event, which begins at 2pm from St Lawrence Chapel on St Lawrence Lane, celebrates the Assize of Bread and Ale, a 14th-century law that regulated the quality and price of two essential staples in the medieval diet.

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Back then, Ale Conners were appointed to sample the beer in local inns, while Bread Weighers ensured loaves met the correct weight, adjusted according to the fluctuating price of wheat.

Today, the roles are symbolic, but the ceremony remains a lively and well-loved community event.

Dressed in full medieval attire, the Portreeve, Marshals, Bailiff and Leet Court officers will lead a colourful procession through the town, stopping at each bakery and pub to taste ale, weigh bread, and award certificates.

A sprig of evergreen will also be presented to each inn to hang above the door, a traditional sign that “good ale is sold here”.

This year’s ceremony will be led by newly appointed Portreeve Martyn Brooks, the 1204th person to hold the title.

“It is with much honour that I was appointed the 1204th Portreeve of Ashburton on 26th November,” said Mr Brooks. “Being born and bred in Ashburton, in fact my Great Grandfather, 9 times over, was born in Ashburton in 1630!”

The procession ends in the town’s Bull Ring, where loaves collected from local bakers will be auctioned off in support of the Portreeve’s nominated charities.

While ceremonial today, the Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing tradition is a rare survival of mediaeval practice and remains a proud part of Ashburton’s civic life.

The event typically finishes with participants and townsfolk enjoying a well-earned drink in Ashburton’s many inns.