Court assistant elected as Ale-Conner

Court assistant Gary Smith was recently elected as one of the City of London Ale-Conners.

Gary was elected during the annual Election of Sheriffs, held at Guildhall on Wednesday 24 June.

In one of their first official duties following the election, all four Ale-Conners were on duty at the City Beerfest to welcome the Lady Mayor. To mark the occasion, Gary had the pleasure of presenting her with an engraved tankard, celebrating both the event and her birthday. They were also joined by Fergus McMullen, Master of the Brewers’ Company.

The historic office of Ale-Conner dates back to the thirteenth-century Assize of Bread and Ale, which required every borough to appoint sworn officers to safeguard the quality and integrity of brewing. Ale-Conners were responsible for tasting ale, checking measures, and bringing brewers who failed to meet the required standards before the court leet.

In London, four Ale-Conners have been elected annually since at least the fourteenth century. Today, the role continues as a ceremonial appointment, with Ale-Conners elected by the Liverymen of the City of London at Common Hall on Midsummer Day, preserving a unique link with the City’s medieval traditions.