Town Criers, by other names, can date themselves back to ancient Greek and Roman times. In those days, criers would
tell the news and local events in the marketplaces.
In England, the first recorded use of Town Criers was after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William the Conqueror
had men go out and announce his victory in all the towns.
In medieval times, it was not unusual for most people to be illiterate. Nobility had their personal heralds, who
announced proclamations and laws and had the special task of memorizing all the coats of arms of everyone in the kingdom,
so that they could tell who was present just by looking at their shield.
Up until the late 19th century, illiteracy was still rampant. Town Criers cried the news to all and sundry, and
then would nail the paper it was written on to a post in front of an inn so those that were able to read could read it for
themselves (hence the term, "to post a notice"). Town Criers, as heralds were before them, were considered
to be sacrosanct. An assault on a Town Crier was regarded as a treasonous act, as the Crier spoke with the voice of
the King.
The daily newspaper was the beginning of the end of the Town Crier as a necessary position. The positions were
eliminated by attrition over the first few decades of the 20th century.
Today, many cities are reviving the position of Town Crier as a visible link to the past. The uniform is usually
late 18th or early 19th century, although some wear uniforms from well outside that period. Todays Criers work for the
cities that appoint them, and often hire themselves out for private functions as well.
So when you hear the bell ring, and hear the ancient call of, "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!", pay attention. The Town Crier
just may have something to say!
