Five shillings per annum are reserved from some
neighbouring estate for the perpetuation of this absurd custom.
Sir Ralph Assheton was sheriff of York in the reign of Edward IV., and
knight marshal and lieutenant of the Tower under Richard III., being in
great esteem with the latter monarch. In the Harleian MSS. annuities are
mentioned as being granted to him, with divers lordships, and a tun of
wine yearly. So powerful was his jurisdiction, that a grant was made him
to the effect, that if in cases of emergency suitable persons could not
be procured for the trial of delinquents, his own authority should be a
sufficient warrant for the purpose. Hence, from the nature of his
office, and the powers that were intrusted to him by the king, and
probably too from the natural bent of his disposition, arose the popular
dislike which vented itself in the well-known traditionary distich we
have taken as our motto.
In those days, when the gentry went little from home, set times of mirth
and recreation were constantly observed in their spacious and hospitable
mansions. Yule, or Christmas, was a feast of especial note and
observance.
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