A historical ceremony dating back many centuries will be brought back to life when it is 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 will be honoured with a procession and church service at the Guildhall and All Saints Church in Kingston on Monday, September 26.

Today’s legal system still sees High Court judges travel around the country to hear the most serious cases which circuit judges are not cleared to hear.

The service at All Saints Church is due to start at 11am, with the procession leaving the Guildhall at 10.50am and returning at 11.50am.