Ashbourne v Compton Price Wars

In the 1270's Ashbourne traders complied with The Assize of Bread and Ale, but had their prices undercut by Compton traders.

In the 13th Century the areas of Ashbourne and Compton, either side of the Henmore Brook, were separate places - almost like two opposing sides - perhaps that explains the competitive nature of Ashbourne Shrovetide Football - the Up'ards and the Down'ards?

The bakers and brewers of Ashbourne complained to the King’s Justices who visited Derbyshire in 1274/5 about a number of issues where they felt unfairly treated. Ashbourne was a Royal Manor and was obliged to comply with the Assize of Bread and Ale which regulated the price of bread and ale. It seems that Compton tradesmen did not.  The traders complained that “from the other side of the water of Esseburne, called Schole Brook, in the Wapentake of Lutchyrch,” “there is a certain township called Campdene Street, which ought to be as it were a country village: and that men remain in the said township, and sell bread and ale, contrary to the Assize”.  “They put the said bread for sale into their windows, and they use the aforesaid stamp for bread, for bottles, and for bushels, without warrant.”