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 Cricklade
was granted a charter in 1155, which gave it certain privileges
but not yet borough status. The town became a “borough by
prescription”, sometimes referred to as TRE (tempore regis
edwardi - in other words it was already a borough in the reign of
Edward I). In the Middle Ages the Manorial Court Leet, a form of
local government, came into being. Although most of its functions
have long since been stripped away, Cricklade still retains its
ancient Court Leet.
The Court meets regularly, its role now mainly to safeguard the
rights of the inhabitants of the “Hundred and Borough of Cricklade”
to graze cattle and horses from August to February each year in
North Meadow. Guided tours of the meadow are also undertaken during
the Fritillary season in late April by the Waywarden and Hayward.
Another duty  is,
from time to time, to appoint Honorary Freeman for the town.
The Court Leet, under the Lord of the Manor, consists of the High
Bailiff, Steward, Hayward, Constable, Sealer, Scavenger, Waywarden,
Town Crier, Ale Taster, Affeeror, Carner, Foremen of the Jury and
six Jurymen.
To mark the Millennium, a proclamation of loyalty to the Queen was
promulgated by the Court Leet on 1st January 2000 at the Town Clock
and forwarded to Buckingham Palace. Another Royal Proclamation was
passed on 4th June 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee and in 2006,
the Queen’s birthday. For more information, visit www.crickladecourtleet.com
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