A port-reeve officiated In Anglo Saxon Britain, law and order was maintained by reeves. A port-reeve officiated within a town and a shire-reeve (later known as a “sheriff”) held responsibility for a shire. Over time Portreeves were replaced by Mayors however, some towns retain the office and sometimes the Mayor is also the Portreeve. The Portreeve was responsible to the Lord of the Manor - in Ashb
urton this is the Town Council. Ashburton is the only Town in England that retains the office by an act of Parliament. The office started in 820AD - over 1200 years ago! The Portreeve is the head of the Ashburton Courts Leet and Baron, the last remaining Courts authorised to appoint a Portreeve. Much of the Portreeve’s role is ceremonial - for example, taking part in the annual Ale Tasting and Bread weighing ceremony to supervise the quality of the beer and bread in the town. They 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. Ashburton’s portreeves often use their year in office to raise funds for a chosen local charity or cause. You can find out more and follow the Portreeve online at www.ashburtonportreeve.info or on Facebook and Instagram ().
