Hocktide celebrations maintain link with the past

Hungerford is last town in England to observe colourful tradition

COMMONERS of the Town and Manor of Hungerford enjoyed a meal fit for a king during Hungerford's annual Hocktide celebrations yesterday (Tuesday).

They were joined by civic dignitaries including Constable of the Town and Manor of Hungerford and Liberty of Standen Fee, Greg Furr; town Mayor Anthony Buckwell, Overseers of the Common and many more.

After Grace by the Rev Andrew Sawyer, ale tasters Julie Lloyd and Alex Milne-White pronounced the ale a “goodly brew” and they sat down to a meal including roast sirloin of Hungerford Common-grazed beef.

There followed a toast by Mr Furr to “the immortal memory of John O'Gaunt” and a response by guest of honour, director of North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Henry Oliver.

The ceremony, which dates back to the 14th Century, was once observed in towns and villages throughout England but now only Hungerford still marks the ancient tradition each year.

This year's tithingmen men were 65-year-old Jim Scarlett, who is now retired and has lived in Hungerford all his life and Ben Blake, aged 43, proprietor of Sugar Mouse in the High Street.

They visted more than 100 properties - half in the morning and, after a restorative pint, half in the afternoon.

The Bellman of the Town and Manor, Robin Tubb, summoned the commoners who own rights, including grazing on Port Down and fishing on the River Kennet, to the Hocktide Court - a task he has completed for 54 years running now.

Mr Tubb was appointed at Hocktide Court in 1957, when he was just 17-years-old.

The tutti men, accompanied by tutti wenches from John O' Gaunt Community Technology College, work their way around the town visiting every property with common rights.

The festival was traditionally the time when commoners, who were given rights by landowner John O'Gaunt in the 14th Century, paid their rent to Hungerford Town and Manor.

In times past the tutti men would traditionally have collected the rent from each householder.

Nowadays the most they collect is a kiss from the ladies of the house, and a little hospitality to help them on their way.

The tutti men carry tutti poles - wooden staffs topped with bunches of flowers and a cloved orange.

These are thought to have derived from nosegays which were believed to protect against disease caused by noxious smells which would have emanated from some of the poorer parts of town.

After the parade of the tutti men through the streets the Hocktide Lunch is held for the Hocktide Council, commoners and guests.

In the Hocktide Court the officers are elected for the coming year, the accounts are read and agreed, and a number of other matters are discussed concerning the affairs of the Town and Manor.

To add to the festive atmosphere in the town, Barnaby Newtown's restored Fairground organ was in the High Street all day.

For a full report and more pictures, see this week's Newbury Weekly News.