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SLHS: Henley Guild Hall

Henley

● These items have aspects that uniquely contribute to national or world history.

From 1066 England operated a under the feudal system Lord’s of the Manor ruled their area as they saw fit. The first from that date was called Wagene. The current LoM is David Degge-Lodder

He appoints a High Bailiff. The first known, from 1247, was  Richard Fitz-Herbert. It wasn’t until 1477 that the position was filled by election -the first being John Rufford. The current High Bailiff is the 153rd.

The offers of the town meet at the Guild Hall. This is where the civil Leet meets. Their website explains the system like this..

Henley Court Leet

1. “The Court Leet were a 15th Century Trading Standards, Magistrates Court and Land Registry for legal documents which was collectively referred to as the ‘Court Baron’.
   

2. The Court was responsible for regulating and inspecting the quality of essential goods sold within the community including fish, flesh, bread, milk, butter, leather goods and most importantly Ale.
   

3. They also controlled and set the prices charged to the local population and checked the Weights and/or Measurements of goods to protect the locals against any unscrupulous traders.
   

4. The members or “Officers” of the Court Leet were and still are today elected every year on the 2nd Wednesday in November.
   

5. A possible origin of the name “Court Leet” can be traced back to the early 1400’s word “Lete” and “Leta” meaning ‘Having superior social rank over others.’
   

6. Most Court Leets ceased to function during the Victorian era then in 1977 the Administration of Justice Act abolished many of the remaining Courts that were still inactive. The Act allowed 19 Special Courts and 32 Court Leets to continue including Henley-in-Arden Court Leet and Court Baron.
   

7. Supporting the Court Leet, we have over 100 Jurors of the town who have been an essential part of Henley’s development and history over the centuries. Today, the Jurors main function is to attend the Annual Court in November and elect the members of the Court Leet for the year ahead. Anyone who has resided within Henley for at least 3 years can apply to become a Court Leet Juror.

First mention of the Henley Guild Hall was in 1408

All current officers of the Court Leet are given here: Henley Heritage: The Court Leet