THE TOWN CRIER

(a brief history)

A town crier is a person who is employed by a town council to make public announcements in the streets.

They usually dress elaborately—by tradition in a red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat.

Roy Goodwin of Ilfracombe

They carry a hand bell to attract people's attention, as they shout the words "Oyez, Oyez!" before making their announcements. The words "Oyez, Oyez!" mean "hear ye", which is a call for silence and attention. Oyez derives from the Anglo-Norman language for listen.

In Medieval England, town criers were the chief means of news communication with the people of the town since many people could not read or write.

Town criers were protected by the ruling monarch, as they sometimes brought bad news (ie tax increases).

The town crier also existed in Europe.

Since 1810 there have been 8 town criers in Ilfracombe. In order they are:- Tom Pile, Blood Vickery,       George Pile, Thomas Eames, Robert Martin (famous for being a town crier on horseback),  Tom Davey and Tug Wilson. This takes us to 1947. From 1947 to 2001 there was no official crier until Roy Goodwin, our present town crier.  Although in reality Roy has been the crier for 12 years but until 2001 it was an unofficial role. Roys costume is a replica of an officers uniform from 1747.

and in case you are wondering a criers costume costs around £2,000