THE historic Court Leet paid a visit to Bromsgrove's traders to mark the traditional Assizes Day.

The Bailiff, Bellman and Officers of the Court Leet gathered at Bromsgrove High Street last weekend to carry out assizes of products to mark the national Heritage Open Day initiative.

The day carried on the long-held tradition of the Court Leet visiting traders in the town, when historically they would check products were of good quality in a role similar to today's trading standards.

Historically the officers of the Court Leet held positions such as Ale Taster, Searcher and Sealer of Leather, Carnitor of Flesh and Fish, Brook Looker and Bread-Weigher.

Any trader found to be selling substandard products would be summoned to appear in front of the Bailiff at the Court Leet meeting and might be subject to a fine or punishment.

Today, the Bromsgrove Court Leet exists to uphold the traditions of the town and support local businesses by re-enacting the customs of the past.

The ceremony of the assizes took place at the Bromsgrove Cobbler, Market Plaice Fish and Chips, The Red Lion, Phoenix Floorings & Bedrooms, Umberto Giannini Hairdressers and Brenda Killigrew’s Sewing Studio on September 18.

The court also paid a visit to Jill’s Pantry and Sid’s Stall on Bromsgrove Markets where the Bellman gave a cry to pay tribute to all the market traders of the town, and they also dropped by the BirdBox where they visited the Severn Arts Travelling Music Bus.

Bailiff of the Court Leet, Jo Slade said: “It was a glorious sunny day and Bromsgrove was looking great with the busy markets, cafes and shops. In celebrating the ancient customs of the Court Leet we can use the traditions of the town to support local traders and businesses whilst putting on a show for the people in the High Street.”