History of the Town Crier

The Origin of the Office of Town Crier is uncertain although it is believed to date from the 16^th century. A list of fees drawn up during the mayorality of Henry Gee in 1539-40 mentions both the office of a crier and a bellman.

An early reference to a Crier in the Assembly Minutes, is dated 22^nd May 1595 (Ref AB/1 f.244v) and concerns the restoration to office of the late Crier, Thomas Richardson. There was a similar Office of City Bellman, the first reference to which, in the Assembly Minutes, occurs on 28^th August 1600 (Ref AB/1 f.263r) and concerns the appointment of John person as Bellman in place of Henry Sterington, deceased.

The last Bellman, John Jeffrey (?1818-1903) was appointed on 30^th March 1874 and resigned in 1897 on the grounds of deafness, partial blindness and other infirmities. (City of Chester Minutes of Proceedings 1896-97 P143.) In the 17^th century, there appears to have been a 'day', a 'night' and a 'common' bellman and they performed such functions as publicising orders made by the City Assembly; for example, an order that thatch was to be replaced with slate or tile was announced in 1671.

Tolls

The City Assembly minutes for 1688 record that the Crier was to have £5 in consideration of his services, (AB/3 f.17v) but there were certain perquisites to the office as well. One of these was the right to receive toll on bacon, fish, peas and fruit sold in the open market. In 1690, however, the Crier complained to the Assembly that the tolls were being levied at the Bridgegate by Ralph Leigh, to his loss. The Assembly ordered that Leigh was to desist from taking such tolls, until he had made out his right to them. (AB/3 f25v)

The Crier also had the right to duties from all 'foreigners' teams coming into the City laden with coals.' He was entitled to receive 1s for every ox-team carrying more than one tone of coal, and 9d, 8d or 6d for other loads, according to size (AB/3 f32.)

At the time of the fairs, the Crier was allowed to erect a stand near the Pentice, at the Cross, and receive the profits thereof without molestation. However, in 1738, this led to a dispute with the inhabitants of St. Peter's Parish, who claimed a right to a stand after mending the stairs on which it was erected. (AB/4 f.87.)

In 1741, the Crier, together with the Yeoman of the Pentice, was suspended for various 'affronts and misdemeanours.' The assembly agreed to pardon them, following public apologies and the payment of £5 into the Mayor's hands for distribution among the poor of the City. (AB/f.94)

Revival of Town Criers

Mr Tom Clarkson, appointed Town Crier in 1978, was Chester's first Crier since the 19^th century. An organisation called, 'British Heritage' initiated his appointment. On 18^th October 1978, the City Council appointed the Honorary Town Crier to the City of Chester. The appointment was made under the terms of the Royal Letters patent granted on 15^th May 1974, which empower the City Council to 'appoint local officers of dignity.'

Mr Michael Chittenden commenced duties as town Crier in 1981.

Chester today is home to the World's first husband and wife Town Crier team - David and Julie Mitchell! A Town Crier Proclamation can be heard at The Chester High Cross at noon, Tuesday to Saturday, May to August.

David and Julie can be contacted on 01244 311736 or you can email them at david@chestertowncriers.com or julie@chestertowncriers.com

The Town Criers official website (External Link).