![Photo of Wetherby Manor plaque - text below](https://i0.wp.com/www.wetherbycivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/14-Plaque-Wetherby-Manor-House.jpg?resize=457%2C457&ssl=1)
From 1602 until 1824, when they sold the town, the Cavendish family, later Dukes of Devonshire, as Lords of the Manor had a court leet, which settled local affairs, appointed the constables, market inspectors, a bell man and pinder responsible for stray animals. The court house was situated in these gardens. Records of fines imposed for allowing animals to stray still exist.
![Photo of Wetherby Manor Plaque site](https://i0.wp.com/wetherby.davenorm.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Wetherby-Wetherby_Manor_site.jpg?resize=500%2C332)
Guests at the Swan Inn opposite could use this formal garden which still bears a similar design today. A small building combined the old court room with two rooms adjoining where the Duke’s steward collects rents. There was a dovecote, the ancient prerogative of the Lord of the Manor.
Click on any of the plaques below to see more detail.