Preparations for the annual tradition of testing ales in the city's hostelries, the assize of ale, are now under way and the event will take place on Saturday, August 10 with the Sheriff of York, Councillor Martin Brumby.

The assize is organised each year by the Guild of Scriveners and its objective is to raise money for charity. This year, the money raised will go to the Lord Mayor's chosen charities, SNAPPY and Shopmobility, and those chosen by the Guild of Scriveners, Martin House Hospice and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The event takes place because of a licence and charter of King Henry III, which states that the sheriff of York 'has the power to punish, hear and determine all manner of felony in the city of York and the sheriff has commanded the guild to convene an assize of ale to satisfy the sheriff that the ale on sale in the city of York is of palatable quality'.

The assize of ale will begin at 2.00pm on the steps outside the Mansion House. The sheriff has ordered the city's 'sergeants' to present themselves in front of the Mansion House on August 10th and 'they shall thereafter, together with helpers and supporters visit certain hostelries within the city to taste the ale'.

The sheriff has also decreed that 'medieval dress be the order of the day and failure to comply with this decree or any other misdemeanour will entitle the sheriff to invoke either a fine or the pillory'. This tradition of testing the ale in the local hostelries dates back to medieval times, hence the order to wear medieval costume.

Everyone is welcome to join the assize, which will include pubs like the Last Drop Inn, Tap and Spile and the Blue Bell - whatever their dress - and should meet outside the Mansion House on Saturday, August 10th.

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