3-096-505 - Ware in the World/Heritage Images

Town crier reading proclamation, Hocktide Festival, Hungerford, Berkshire, c1955. Hocktide or Tutti Day is an ancient annual tradition held on the second Tuesday after Easter. The event is associated with the town's great patron, John of Gaunt. Its origins are thought to lie in celebrations following King Alfred's expulsion of the Vikings. The day begins at 8am when the "Bellman" (or town crier) summons the Commoners of the town to the Hocktide Court held at Hungerford Town Hall.