Jer Holland - Cinderford Town Crier (appointed April 22)
The role of the Town Crier
“Oyez, oyez, oyez!”
This is the call or cry of the town crier, now usually only heard at ceremonials, fetes and local events. It would however have been a common cry on the streets of medieval England.
‘Oyez’ (pronounced ‘oh yay’) comes from the French ouïr (‘to listen’) and means “Hear ye”. The town crier would begin his cry with these words, accompanied by the ringing of a large hand bell to attract attention. It was the job of the crier or bellman to inform the townspeople of the latest news, proclamations, bylaws and any other important information, as at this time most folk were illiterate and could not read.
The cry would then end with the words, ‘God save the King’ or ‘God save the Queen’.
Having read out his message, the town crier would then attach it to the door post of the local inn, so ‘posting a notice’, the reason why newspapers are often called ‘The Post’.
Proclaiming the news was not however their only role: indeed, their original role was to patrol the streets after dark, acting as peace keepers, arresting miscreants and taking them to the stocks for punishment and posting their crimes to show why they were there. It was also his job to make sure fires were damped down for the night after the curfew bell.
It was also the role of the town crier at public hangings to read out why the person was being hanged, and then to help cut him or her down.
Although most criers carry a bell, it isn't strictly necessary. Other methods of drawing attention such as drums and trumpets are perfectly acceptable. The one non-negotiable requirement is a loud voice!
A Brief History of The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers
The Guild was founded at Hastings in 1978 when Criers met after the British Championships and elected a Committee.
One aim was to regularise the organisation of competitions and
to define rules for town criers to follow.
In 1999 it was decided that the Guild should be formed into
a limited company, limited by guarantee, to better protect the members.
If you know there is a local crier, then contact the localTown Hall—Town Clerk, Mayor or Chief Executive. Otherwise please contact the Guild Secretary, who should be able to put you in touch with a crier in the required vicinity.
Locations with registered Guild Town Criers
Take a look at our list of towns with town criers registered with the AHGTC.
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