THE annual Assize of Ale event to raise money for charitable causes is one of the many customs to have survived from medieval times.

It can only be a bonus in attracting yet more tourists to York, as well as enriching the lives of those less fortunate.

However, I must object to the custom of offering a bribe to the Sheriff’s men to ensure they pass the quality test.

I offer my services for nothing.

During the 18th century, some circuit judges en route to the assizes displayed a wicker basket on their arm containing a nosegay to ward off the stench from open sewers.

They collected money by way of a bribe from relations of a condemned person to reduce their sentence from the gallows - option, transportation.

Australia here we come. With English miscreants and help from Captain Cook’s expeditions, they became dominant in world class cricket.

We Yorkshire folk can’t be expected to carry all the burden.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York