The fines levied average from 6d. to 5s., but I have seen the
record of as large an amount as 10s. imposed on a tenant who had allowed a
tree to obstruct the flow of the water. The importance of keeping the
level fields of the Vale properly drained is obvious, for a permanent
obstruction might easily mean the flooding of a considerable area.
The jury dines at the expense of the Duchy of Lancaster at each meeting,
and there is a "View Supper," as it is called, a week before the meeting,
when the jury, having spent the whole day examining the ditches and drains
between the fields, gather in the evening at one of the inns. The steward
contributes a quarter of mutton, and the Lord of the Manor a couple of
hares for soup.
[Illustration: AN OLD KEY BELONGING TO THE CASTLE.
(_Now kept by Mr John, Westmoreland, Bailiff_.)
]
The Court Leet still appoints the town's bellman in an informal manner;
until lately he was reappointed and sworn in every year. At the present
time the holder of the office is Levi Massheder, who has painted over the
door of his house the curious inscription, "His Honourable Majesty's
bellman."
In July 1857 the old shambles that stood at the top of the market-place,
and in which three bullocks a week were killed by the six butchers, came
down to be replaced by the unsightly building that now disfigures the main
street of the town. It is a matter for surprise that the townsfolk did not
utilise a valuable opportunity and put up in its place something that
would have added to the attractiveness of the place and at the same time
have commemorated the reign of Queen Victoria.
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