| Where: | Wirksworth, Derbyshire at the Moot Hall on Chapel Street |
| When: | 3rd Wednesday in April |
| Time: | 12 noon |
Wirksworth in Derbyshire is the setting for the last remaining Great Barmote Court; these courts were set up in the twelfth century to regulate the lead-mining industry and the survivor may well be the oldest industrial court in the UK. Nowadays the jurisdiction of the court is more limited than in its heyday, but still regulations are upheld and fees collected. The official Barmaster and Steward are assisted by twelve jurors. Attendees are provided with bread & cheese and beer as well as clay pipes and tobacco, before the proceedings get underway. Though it is essentially a private court, the public are welcome to view proceedings.
Helpful Hints
It’s usually held on the third Wednesday in April but occasionally it varies to another Wednesday in the month. In 2023 it was on Wednesday April 19th- 2024 date is yet to be announced but provisionally is likely to be Wednesday 17th.
Photography isn’t permitted during the court session for legal reasons, but a quick photo opportunity follows the end of court proceedings.
Confirmed. The Court is set for Wednesday April 18th 2018.
Dear David,
Many thanks for that – it’s always useful to have dates confirmed well in advance 🙂
Best wishes,
Averil
Dear David Mort
I am interested in the Barmote Court and would very much like to attend on April 18th at noon. I trust that this is agreeable.
Kind regards
David Ainley
Hi David,
I’ve passed on your message about the Barmote Court to David Mort direct by email, as he might not see the post on the calendarcustoms site in time. Hope that’s OK!
Averil
Am I correct that the Court is tomorrow, April 27th @ noon?
Thank you.
David
Hi David,
Yes, I checked recently with the Duchy of Lancaster so it should be 27th at noon,
Best wishes
Averil
Thank you Averil.
David
Dear David Mort,
My father Joseph Cresswell attended the Barmote Court in Wirksworth for a number of years. I believe he was a member of the Grand Jury. He brought home a few of the clay pipes which were distributed at that time. My father died in 1977 and his membership of the Grand Jury may have been anytime from the 1950s onwards. He was formerly headmaster of Newbridge Secondary Modern school in Wirksworth and also a JP and a long time resident of Wirksworth.
I would be most grateful for information as to when he served on the Grand Jury.
Thank you.
Please would it be possible for me to have a look at the Miner’s Standard?
I am a lifelong local of Wirksworth, my family have been here for generations as well and have wanted to see this since learning about it as a lad in primary school.
Thanks,
Chris Spencer
Hello Chris,
Hera at calendarcustoms we haven’t any connection with the running of the event or the Moot Hall- I’d suggest contacting Wirksworth Heritage Centre as they will probably know who looks after the Standard when it isn’t at the Court. You can find their website at https://www.wirksworthheritage.co.uk Sorry I can’t be more help!
Best wishes,
Averil