IN a historic day for the town, Sean Wilson became Ashburton’s 1,201st Portreeve on Tuesday afternoon.
The number refers to the number of years Ashburton has had a Portreeve.
In Anglo Saxon Britain, law and order was maintained by reeves who carried out the decisions of the local court.
A port-reeve officiated within a town and a shire-reeve (later known as a ‘sheriff’) held administrative responsibility for a shire. In most places, Portreeves were replaced by mayors however, some towns retain the office and sometimes the Mayor is also Portreeve.
Ashburton has had a Portreeve since 820AD and is the only town in England to retain that office through an act of parliament.
The Portreeve is head of a legally constituted court and a social head of the town attending community or fundraising events and, together with the mayor, representing the town.
The Portreeve was responsible to the Lord of the Manor – in Ashburton this is the town council.
Ashburton’s Leet Court is the only court legally entitled to appoint a Portreeve, the role is largely ceremonial.
Sean Wilson took over from town councillor John Nutley. Who has held the office for the past two terms.
John used his time in office to raise funds for his chosen cause the Bank Youth Project, which is a youth centre providing vital services to young people who live in and around Ashburton.
Sean said: ‘I will attend many coffee mornings and events to support the community, and also take on a role within some organisations – for example, the Portreeve is also the President of the Ashburton Pensioners Association, so I will enjoy joining them for their Christmas lunch this year!
‘The Portreeve often uses their year in office to raise funds for a chosen local charity or cause – this year is exceptional and there are many causes deserving of support, I will announce my decision after Court & Law Day but I am hoping to be able to make a positive change for the whole community.’
The new Bailiff, Karen Turner, said she relished taking on the role with gusto, adding: ‘Having lived in Ashburton for over 20 years now, I really love the town which has a fantastic community.’