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Presentation of the new Sheriffs of London at Westminster
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Presentation of the new Sheriffs of London at Westminster
Ancient ceremony of chopping sticks, and counting horse-shoes and hob-nails, in the Court of the Exchequer. Date: 1844
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Media ID 14373870
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Baron Ceremony Chopping Corporation Counting Exchequer Nails Presentation Sheriff Sheriffs Shoes Sticks Westminster Horse Shoes
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing photograph from 1844, we witness an ancient ceremony taking place at Westminster, London, as the new Sheriffs of the city are presented before the Cursitor and Baron of the Exchequer Court. The Sheriffs, esteemed figures in London's civic and legal history, are here undergoing a time-honored tradition that dates back centuries. The ceremony begins with the Sheriffs presenting their chopping sticks, symbolizing their role as enforcers of the law and their readiness to uphold justice. The sticks, meticulously arranged on a table, are inspected by the Cursitor and Baron, who ensure that each one meets the required length and weight. This tradition dates back to medieval times when Sheriffs were expected to provide their own chopping sticks for use in executions and other legal proceedings. Next, the Sheriffs present their horse gear, including horse shoes and hob-nails, for counting. The number of horse shoes and hob-nails is carefully tallied to ensure that the Sheriffs have provided the necessary equipment for the upkeep of the city's horses. This requirement reflects the Sheriffs' responsibility for maintaining the city's infrastructure and ensuring the smooth functioning of its transportation system. The ancient ceremony, imbued with history and tradition, underscores the importance of the role of the Sheriffs in London's civic life. As they take their places in the Court of the Exchequer, they are reminded of their duties and responsibilities, and the weight of history that rests upon their shoulders. The photograph captures a moment of reverence and tradition, a glimpse into the past that continues to shape the present.
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