We were right when we bet that Gazette readers would find a longer-running lawsuit than the 13-year wrangle between Marks & Spencer and HMRC over VAT on biscuits (see [2009] Gazette, 26 February, 35). But we thought that the winner would be a matter of a year or two, or at most a decade, longer in reaching resolution.

In fact, we’re out by centuries, according to Andrew Hollins-Gibson of Denby & Co Solicitors in Barrow-in-Furness. Thirteen years is nothing, he chides us. ‘How about the case of Crown v the City of London? In 1613, James I issued proceedings claiming ownership of Smithfield Market. The defence was that charters granted by Henry VI and Henry VII had transferred ownership to the City of London. The action was stayed in 1614. Mr Justice Hoffman gave judgment in the case on 6 May 1992. This is a delay of 379 years!’

In the confident expectation that this record will stand unbroken, we announce that Denby & Co will shortly receive the promised prize of a packet of M&S teacakes (or a voucher to the value thereof; terms and conditions apply, etc etc).