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Quit Rents Ceremony
October 2025
Howard Franklin, Patron of the Shropshire Society in London was the Official Representative accompanied by Dennis and Valerie Hill at The Quit Rents Ceremony on Wednesday 8th October 2025 at The Royal Courts of Justice, The Stand, London . This is the oldest Legal Ceremony after the Coronation and dates back to 1211.
Presided over by The Kings Remembrancer, whose job is to collect dues owed to The Crown, looked resplendent in robes, full- bottomed wig, and a tricorne hat, it was indeed an archaic scene which hasn’t changed over the centuries.
Hazel Rods are exchanged as rent for ancient land called The Moors near Bridgnorth, one is cut with a blunt knife the other with an extremely sharp knife by ancient tradition. The Hazel Rods had been harvested earlier in the year from the garden of our Patron, and treated and seasoned and polished by Leigh Northcott Hammond a Past Chairman of the Society, who is also a Vice President.
The Shropshire Society in London is greatly honoured to be entrusted with paying the dues of the County of Shropshire at this historic Ceremony.
IMAGE
Howard Franklin Patron of The Shropshire Society in London at the Reception following the Quit Rents Ceremony.
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As part of our events programme, members from the Shropshire Society in London visited Hodnet Hall Gardens in August.
On a beautiful sunny day in Shropshire we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea followed by a tour of the beautiful gardens.
Our thanks go to Sir Algernon Heber-Percy KCVO and Lady Jane Heber-Percy for hosting the event.​​​
