AN annual event dating back to the Middle Ages saw the Sheriff of York lead a pub crawl around some of York’s finest ale houses at the weekend.
Some 50 people took part in the Assize of Ale event, most of them dressed in medieval attire.
The event on Saturday afternoon started at York Mansion House in St Helen’s Square with the Sheriff of York, Fiona Fitzpatrick delivering the traditional assize proclamation, accompanied by the rest of the civic party, which included a toast to King Charles.
This was witnessed by nearly 500 on lookers watching on as the Shepherd’s Brass Band performed crowd pleasers including ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Don’t stop me now!’ owls and stalls were also present adding to the festival atmosphere.
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Fifteen ale houses were visited across three groups including; Roman Baths, The Old White Swan, The Last Drop Inn, The Punch Bowl and Kennedys.
At each venue a proclamation was read and the ale tested for taste and price marking this medieval tradition.
The Sheriff of York’s group was led by the Town Crier, Ben Fry who introduced the assize in each ale house with the sound of the iconic bell. The other groups were led by The Sheriff’s consort, Geoff Cossins and former Sheriff of York, Verna Campbell.
Sheriff of York, Fiona Fitzpatrick said of the event: “The Assize of Ale event is one of the highlights of being the Sheriff of York. It is a fantastic tradition of the city dating back to medieval times and I am thankful to everyone that supported us on the day.”
Karen Waugh, Owner of Kennedys Bar And Restaurant in Little Stonegate said: “I am so pleased that we were involved in this traditional event, it was quite the spectacle. Its not everyday that you welcome the Town Crier and Sheriff of York to test your ale. The people in the bar at the time loved it, taking pictures and making donations.”
The event ended with a fish and chip supper in the stateroom at York Mansion House and raised £1500 for The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York charities.
Organisers gave a special thanks to Mister Chippy, Brew York and The Potions Cauldron Group for sponsoring the event.
The next fundraising event ‘A truly York Halloween Spooktacular’ takes place on Sunday October 20 at York Mansion House with a special tour from Mad Alice and music from Alistair Griffin with a pie and pea supper.
For more information go to: - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-truly-york-halloween-spooktacular-tickets-1001931362677
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