Order Books These contain the formal orders of the Justices of the Peace relating to judicial cases, administrative matters and oversight of local government, often in judicial form, including oversight of the poor and settlement laws from 1889, the County Council took over Quarter Sessions administrative responsibilities. There were four Sessions a year, Epiphany held at the end of December or early in January, Easter, Translation (Midsummer) held in June or July and Michaelmas normally held in October. [1682]-1971