6 October 1309 *

At the leet court, held in the [Bishop's] Steward's Hall each October 28, certain members of the community chosen by the steward are to make presentments on the leet articles and regarding the observance of right and the peace. The steward is to preside over the court, and court profits and amercements belong to the Bishop, but he farms them (in perpetuity) to mayor and community for £40 annually, to be paid in two instalments due 30 November and 2 February. Excepted from this is the assize of bread, whose amercements are to be collected by the Bishop's bailiffs as often as necessary, but in the presence of the mayor who will be given notice by the bailiffs when they intend to hold an assize. The assize of ale will be held by the bailiffs only on leet day, unless specific complaints are made at other times. Correction of trespasses made by officers of the Bishop, and their amercement, remain within the power of the Bishop alone. He also reserves: the amercement of any non-resident foreigners who trade within the town; the goods and chattels (seized by the court) of fugitives or outlaws; any other rights prescribed in royal charters to the Bishop. The bailiffs may distrain upon any and every burgess for default in the community paying the farm.