That it is his duty to see that all
persons exposing any wares for sale in the fairs or markets, or as
shopkeepers within the manor, have legal weights and measures."
The other officers of the Court Leet, whose duties are also defined in
the aforesaid pamphlet, are the "Constables," the "Headborough," two
"Affeirers" (who looked after the rents and dues belonging to the Lord
of the Manor), two "Leather Sealers" (once important officers, when
there was a Leather Market, but whose duties in and about the year named
seemed to be confined to attending at the yearly dinners given by the
High Bailiff), two "Ale-conners, otherwise high tasters," and two
"Flesh-conners, otherwise low tasters." From their name it might be
thought the duties of the last named officers were limited to the
inspection of meat or flesh, but it will be seen that they were of a
more comprehensive character:--
"Their duty is to see that all butchers, fishmongers, poulterers,
bakers, and other sellers of victuals, do not sell or expose to sale
within this Manor any unwholesome, corrupt, or contagious flesh, fish,
or other victuals; and in case any such be exposed to sale, we find
that the said Officers, by the ancient custom of the Manor may seize,
burn, or destroy the same, or otherwise present the offenders at the
next Court Leet to be holden for this Manor.
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