Barmote Court

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The Barmote Court (also written Bergjisote, Barghmote, Bargemote and Barmoot) is a court held in the lead mining districts of Derbyshire, England, for the purpose of determining the customs peculiar to the industry and also for the settlements of any disputes which may arise in connection therewith.

The Barmote Courts were set up in 1288, their jurisdiction covering both to the crown lands of the Duchy of Lancaster and those under individual ownership, comprising seven clearly defined districts. Great Barmote Courts with wider powers were in place by the fifteenth century, meeting at Easter and Michaelmas. The courts had twenty-four jurors, and were run by the Barmaster and a steward.

Owing to the progress made in modern mining, many of the customs and much of the procedure had become obsolete, and their powers were regulated by the High Peak Mining Customs and Mineral Courts Act 1851.

An appeal from the jurisdiction of the courts lies by way of certiorari.

There are two Barmote Courts, one at Monyash covering the High Peak, and one at Wirksworth covering the Low Peak. In 1814, the Monyash court moved to Wirksworth, and since 1994, the two have met together, once a year, in April. In line with tradition, bread, cheese, clay pipes and tobacco are provided at the meetings, and a representative of the monarch who is the Lord of the Field attends.