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This sale might be of interest to some members of the list: Courts Leet and Courts Barron Hanson Auctioneers are to auction a rare 17th century book called The Court Keepers Guide for the keeping of Courts Leet and Courts Barron written by William Sheppard in 1685. The sale is to take place on 18 March and the book dating back to the reign of Charles ll is expected to create considerable interest. The book provides an insight into the laws of the land at that time and acts as a guide for the land- owning gentry of the day. 'It is a socially interesting book and in many respects' remarked auctioneer Charles Hanson ‘it is satisfying to note we live in a more civilised society’ “The content in a modern age is really quite alien as the following suggests.” As a guide to Court Keepers and To all the Lords of Manors it is noted; ‘The things which are now made treason and are enemies to the king are wilful burners of houses or stacks of corn, takers of Doves out of Dove houses or stealers of tame deer’. The book also states, ‘The following are common nuisances done to the Kings subjects, – Evil members and persons of ill behaviour who are dangerous to their neighbours such as taking doves, or are common drunkards, the common hunters of alehowles, night walkers and day sleepers that have no estate and do not fare well, eves droppers and common hedge breakers’ The book carries an estimate of £200-300. [Information from Ibookcollector Newsletter - 151] Dee Dee Cook Archivist Society of Apothecaries Apothecaries' Hall Black Friars Lane London EC4V 6EJ Tel: 020 7248 6648 Email: [log in to unmask] Website: www.apothecaries.org