ALCESTER HIGH BAILIFFS BOARD RESTORATION

Warwickshire Freemasons have funded the restoration of two historic High Bailiffs boards in Alcester Town Hall, providing £3,000 to preserve an important part of the town’s civic and Masonic heritage.

Among the many traditions that lend distinction to Alcester, the Court Leet stands as one of its most enduring civic institutions. Its customs, offices and ceremonies provide a living link to the town’s past, and few objects embody that continuity more visibly than the High Bailiffs boards displayed in the Town Hall.

There is also a strong connection between the boards and Freemasonry in Alcester. They record the names of High Bailiffs stretching back through the centuries, many of whom were also active members of Apollo Lodge No.301 and Alauna Lodge No.6266.

Over time, however, the boards had deteriorated considerably, with many of the names becoming badly faded. A grant of £3,000 from the Province of Warwickshire enabled both boards to be professionally and completely restored, safeguarding them for future generations and preserving their links with both the Court Leet and local Freemasonry.

The restored boards were unveiled at the Heritage Open Day held on Saturday 19th September by Henry Jocelyn Seymour, 9th Marquess of Hertford, and the current High Bailiff, Sharon Constable.

During the event, Michael Littler, Secretary of Apollo Lodge, gave a fascinating presentation on the history of the Lodge and its connection with the boards. He also displayed the minutes of the first meeting of Apollo Lodge, held on 26th February 1794.

Pictured: High Bailiff Sharon Constable with Henry Jocelyn Seymour, 9th Marquess of Hertford. Also pictured are David Henderson, Steward of the Manor and a member of Apollo Lodge, Michael Littler and Sharon Constable in front of the first of the two restored boards.