A historical ceremony dating back many centuries was brought back to life when it played out through the streets of Kingston.

The Surrey Assizes, which dates back to the Middle Ages and continued twice a year until 1971, saw judges from the central Royal Courts in London come to try serious offences which could not be dealt with by the local county court.

The arrival of the Assize judges was historically a solemn occasion because the judges could impose the death penalty, which local judges could not.

As a result an elaborate ceremony developed around their arrival and judges were escorted from the borders of the county to the town where they made their entrance, led by the sheriff and gentry of the county.

The court hearings were honoured with a procession and church service at the Guildhall and All Saints Church in Kingston on Monday, September 26.

The procession, which included the mayor and deputy mayor of Kingston and three judges dressed in purple lined robes and wigs, walked through the streets, accompanied by a band.

Resident Judge at Kingston Crown Court Judge Nicholas Price led the procession and read one of the two lessons in the service.

He said the turnout of judges was a reflection of the times as most of them were too squeezed for time to join in.

He said: “This is a tradition going back hundreds of years and we have always taken the view it’s very important and we should have this procession where the judges are seen to be part of the community.”