We raised a glass to Bury St Edmunds’ historic benefactor Jankyn Smith at The Guildhall’s cake and ale ceremony

We raised a pint and ate some cake for historical accuracy to toast the man who helped shape Bury St Edmunds’ past — Jankyn Smyth.

Every June, in one of the oldest traditions in the country, the people of Bury — from the mayor and schoolchildren to reporters like myself — gather at St Mary’s Church to honour Smyth, the town’s top-tier benefactor and the founding force behind The Candlemas Guild, now known as The Guildhall Feoffment Trust which is a registered charity.

After being elected as Alderman (similar to a medieval mayor) seven times between 1423 and 1481, Smyth was more than just a popular and wealthy merchant willing to share his money with the townsfolk.

In a time when The Abbey ruled over the town and demanded its people pay the Cope silver tax whenever a new abbot needed new robes, the local legend was not afraid to go against the status quo — even using his wealth to cover the tax and spare townspeople the burden.

But why has Bury honoured Smyth with cake and ale every year for the past four centuries?

Amy Scott Robinson, an author and performer who took part in this year’s ceremony with a musical performance, explained that the tradition stems from Smyth’s will — as well as the wills of other historic benefactors like Margaret Odeham, who left money to help prisoners.

“It’s medieval and mad and I love it,” she said. “It’s fast becoming my favourite day of the year.

“Back in the 1400s, people’s wills were packed with detail and it was an honour to share Margaret’s will — through song — during the service.

“The whole ceremony is a brilliant way to find out about the people who genuinely cared for our town all those years ago. I think they were real heroes who stood up for their community.”

Smyth and his fellow benefactors — known as the Feoffees — were members of the powerful Candlesmas Guild, a who’s-who of the town’s elite.

Together, they used their wealth and influence to support justice, healthcare and the welfare of Bury’s most vulnerable residents.

Much of Smyth’s wealth helped establish early infrastructure in the town as the guild acquired land and property thanks to his support and leadership.

This includes Moyse’s Hall, the No Man’s Meadows nature reserve and almshouses in College Square, Northgate Street, Southgate Street, St Andrew’s Street and in Hengrave which to this day provide homes for up to 40 elderly people.

His funds also helped build the Guildhall Feoffment schools and the trust even owned The Angel Hotel from 1557 until 1917.

Mark Merriam, vice chairman of the trust, said: “I believe we are one of the oldest charities in the countries and it is a privilege to be associated with it.

“The service and this ceremony are very traditional, I suppose, but I think its important to remember our heritage in this way.”

As a worshipper at St Mary’s Church, it was fitting that Smyth’s commemoration was held there yesterday led by the Revd Canon Tiffer Robinson, vicar of the parish of St Mary with St Peter.

The church pews were full of today’s Guildhall Feoffees (trustees of the charity), Bury St Edmunds town councillors and town mayor Donna Higgins, Guildhall Feoffment School pupils and staff, almshouse residents, charity representatives and members of the public.

The service offered a chance to reflect on Smyth’s legacy with hymns from the church choir, a sermon and a performance by the schoolchildren.

Afterwards, a procession made its way to The Guildhall, where guests raised a glass of ale — courtesy of Greene King — and enjoyed a slice of cake baked by West Suffolk College’s catering team.

The toast was made to a portrait of Jankyn Smyth, painted by Barham Rushbrooke, which is proudly displayed above the fireplace.

Choir member Tim Hill, who led the procession, said: “It was great to hear about the amazing people who’ve done so much for the town.

“I think it’s nice to have something quirky like this — a ceremony with cake and ale, and so many key people coming together, its just really fun.”

Mayor Donna Higgins, who was elected as the new mayor at the start of the month, said she felt proud to carry on Smyth and the Feoffees’ legacy.

“I think the town council feels like the spiritual successor to Jankyn,” she said. “There’s a real sense of continuity — we’re still supporting local people in much the same way.

“People might think a ‘cake and ale ceremony’ sounds a bit bizarre, but I love that Bury has its own little slice of quirky British tradition.”