The tradition of issuing audit money will be continued in Richmond this weekend.
In December every year the town’s mayor distributes audit money to any Richmond resident over 60.
Last year’s tradition was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Instead, it will take place this weekend on the curtilage below the clock tower between 10am and 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
If the weather is bad it will be distributed from the entrance porch of the Town Hall.
The mayor’s audit money is first mentioned in the charter of Queen Elizabeth I, given to the town in 1576.
The Queen’s decree has been observed by all mayors annually since 1576.
There have been a number of changes over the years and it is no longer just paid to the poor.
In 1986, it was decided to change the format of the audit money ceremony.
Instead of issuing a 50p coin, it was decided to mint a special Richmond shilling.
On the face side is a view of Richmond Castle and the River Swale, based on an old woodcut of 1700, and bears the words – Mayor’s Audit Money Richmond – North Yorkshire.
The reverse side depicts the Richmond Coat of Arms with the words Mater Omnium Richmondiarum, meaning the Mother of all Richmonds.
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Lived here for 50 years and this is the first I’ve ever heard of this, I wonder where the previous audit money went to.