BROMSGROVE COURT LEET
Bromsgrove Court Leet Events
Throughout each year the Bromsgrove Court Leet organise events to uphold the traditions of the organisation. The Annual Spring Court is held at Avoncroft Museum and the Annual Autumn Court takes place in Cookes House at Bromsgrove School. At these meetings the business of the court takes places in front of Court Members and invited guests. At the end of each Bailiff's year a dinner is held to conclude the year for members of the Court and their guests.
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Twice a year the Court carries out Ale Tasting Ceremonies in Bromsgrove; in spring the Court visits pubs in the High Street and Town Centre area whilst in the Autumn the event takes place in the outer areas of the Manor. All are welcome to witness the Ale Tasting in the pubs we visit.
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Bromsgrove Court Leet support the events of our neighbouring Courts in Warwick, Henley in Arden and Alcester. We also hold a charity golf day and support local civic events hosted by the Chairman of the Bromsgrove District Council, the Bromsgrove Society, the Friends of St John's, the Bromsgrove Festival and other local organisations. The Court is proud to join the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Service alongside the Royal British Legion and St John's Church.
Bromsgrove Fair Day, Proclamation of Charter and Street Market
On the Saturday closest to mid-summer day the Court commemorate King John’s granting of a Royal Charter to the town in 1199. This colourful, traditional procession through Bromsgrove High Street is an important part of the history and heritage of both the Court and the town. We welcome all to come along and enjoy the day. In addition to the parade local charities, crafters and producers join the regular market. They are encouraged to dress in traditional costumes to add to the historic theme of the day.
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10.30am Parade of Court Leet members and their guests, including members from other local Courts, begins at Housman Hall on Kidderminster Road
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11.00am The parade ends and Court Leet members gather at the Housman Statue for the Assizes and proclamation of the Royal Charter of 1199
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On the Sunday after Fair Day member of the Court join the congregation of St John's Church for the Patronal Service held at the ancient church on Kidderminster Road.
Bromsgrove Court Leet Events in 2025
Thursday 10th April
Spring Court is held at Avoncroft Museum, in the New Guesten Hall. Court Leet and invited Guests only.
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Tuesday 29th April
Inner Ale Tasting. Court Leet members will visit inns on Bromsgrove High Street in the evening to test the quality of the ale offered for sale. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this historical re-enactment.
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Saturday 21st June Fair Day
The Annual Court Leet Parade, reading of King John's Royal Charter from 1199 and Street Market - celebrating 826 years of history in Bromsgrove.
Members of the Bromsgrove Court Leet and guests will process from Housman Hall to the Housman Statue in the centre of Bromsgrove High Street. The parade starts at 10.30am and concludes around 11am.
Traditional assizes of Ale, Bread, Meat, Leather and a report on the town's brooks will take place.
The Bailiff of the Bromsgrove Court Leet will read the Charter of 1199 granted to the town by King John.
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All are welcome to come along and witness this centuries old tradition.
This year the parade will be lead by the Shirley Pipe Band. All Court Leet members with guests from Warwick Court Leet, Henley Court Leet and Alcester Court Leet will be in full robes and regalia.
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Alongside the usual Bromsgrove District Council market, Court Leet Market Master will oversee stalls hosting local charities, crafters, producers and organisations who are encouraged to attend in traditional costumes. Anyone wishing to take a stall in the market should contact the Market Master by email BCLmarketmaster@gmail.com
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Sunday 22nd June
Patronal Service at St John’s Church at 10.45am. All welcome. Celebrating St John the Baptist.
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Thursday 14th August
Outer Ale Tasting
Friday 10th October
Bailiff’s Dinner and Consort’s Evening, by invitation.
Thursday 6th November
The Great Autumn Court will be held at Bromsgrove School to elect a new Bailiff for the coming year. Court members and invited guests only.
Sunday 9th November
10.30am Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade through the High Street and 11am Service at the War Memorial by St John's Church.
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Tuesday 11th November
11am Armistice Day Service at the Oddfellows Memorial on Bromsgrove High Street
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Further details on the Court’s annual events can be found on our facebook page www.facebook.com/CourtLeetBromsgrove
