Ashburton's Bread Weighing and Ale Tasting

Until the time of the Magna Carta, there was no check on the price or quality of bread and ale. Ashburton's records of its Ale Tasters fining brewers for selling bad ale date back to the 13th century, soon after the first Ale Conners were appointed in London in 1276.

Today's ceremony keeps alive this ancient tradition with a colourful procession through the town, in medieval dress, of members of the Court Leet and Baron Jury, Town Council and other local people, culminating in a Medieval Fair.