The photo above was taken in 2015 when we saw 25 Town Criers from the UK and Canada compete for best cry and best dressed in the International Town Crier Competition. Bermuda’s own Ed Christopher (pictured centre) won the National Town Crier Competition held in Helmsley, United Kingdom.
At the Competitions held in various towns each year, Town Criers, who are members of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers (AHGTC) provide a colourful spectacle by entertaining visitors throughout the day as each competitor performs their home town cry and a cry of their own choice in the hosted town.
In medieval England, Town Criers were the chief means of news communication with the peopleof the town since many could not read or write. Royal proclamations, local bylaws, market days and adverts were all proclaimed by a bellman or crier throughout the centuries. Town Criers often dress elaborately, by a tradition dating to the 18th century, which includes a coloured robe, breeches, black boots and a tricorn hat. They carry a hand bell to attract people’s attention, as they shout the words “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!” before making their announcements.
Walking Tours with Ed Christopher more here
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