Northleach Town Sign, hand-carved, painted and gilded by Chris Fothergill
The Northleach Town Sign celebrates many aspects of the town, it's Annual Market Charter, is still celebrated on the last Saturday of June each year. The sheep and woolsack represent the town's past connection with the medieval wool trade. The glorious church seen in the background was rebuilt thanks to the generosity of the wealthy wool merchants. The cross keys represent the Church of St Peter & St Paul. The mace represents The Court Leet, one of the earliest forms of locally devolved Government in the Country.
Members of the community would also be appointed to oversee the management of common land and officers would be elected to perform various public duties. Whilst these duties are no longer undertaken, the positions are still held by elected locals as a tribute to the town's ancient history. Each November the men of the town meet at the Court Leet dinner, to elect the new High Bailiff and officers of the Leet.
