Portreeve's News

News, articles, diary, events, meetings and information

Nov 7, 20223 min read

Court & Law Day Ceremony

Ashburton's Court & Law Day, what is it all about? Ashburton's "Court & Law Day" takes place on the fourth Tuesday in November,...

Nov 6, 20222 min read

We Present...

Presentments what they are and how to write them Each year at the Court & Law Day ceremony of Ashburton's ancient Courts Leet & Baron on...

Nov 6, 20222 min read

The Bailiff's Chains of Office

A brief history of the Bailiff's Chains of Office Whilst the Portreeve's Chains of Office were commissioned in 1891 - the Bailiff's...

Nov 5, 20226 min read

The Portreeve's Chains

A short history of the Portreeve's Chains of Office Dating from 1891 the Portreeve's Chains of Office are silver gilt connecting...

Jul 3, 202213 min read

The Gamble Report

The report makes fascinating reading and answers many common questions about the Courts On the 21st October 1988 members of the Courts...

Nov 23, 20211 min read

Administration of Justice and Ashburton

The Administration of Justice Act 1977 confirmed the continuation of Ashburton's Ancient Courts and the right to appoint a Portreeve In...

Nov 10, 20211 min read

Rule Book and Guidance Notes

Rules and guidance for Court Members in carrying out their duties The Ashburton Courts Leet and Baron are one of the last remaining...

Oct 7, 20212 min read

Who is The Lord of The Borough?

No one individual is the Lord of the Borough of Ashburton - so who is it Historically the title "Lord of the Borough of Ashburton" passed...

Oct 7, 20213 min read

Roles in the Court

Each role in the Courts Leet & Baron has a historical significance - what did they do?

Oct 7, 20213 min read

Membership of the Court

How Court members are nominated and selected and what is expected of them The Members of the Courts Leet and Baron, headed by the...