Hungerford is ready for another Hocktide celebration

West Berkshire’s Hocktide town is gearing up for another year of its medieval celebration.

Preparations are under way for the ancient custom which starts on the second Tuesday after Easter.

It is believed that Hungerford is the only place in the country that continues to mark the event.

This year, Tuesday, April 18, has been designated as Tutti Day, which is central to the two-week Hocktide celebrations.

Traditionally, this was the date when all rents were payable by commoners in the town.

Today, Hocktide combines the celebration of rent collection with several other traditions, such as the exchanging of kisses and oranges.

Tutti Day begins at 8am when the bellman summons commoners to the Hocktide Court, held at Hungerford Town Hall.

It is there that the Tithingmen also known as Tuttimen, or women, often clad in morning suits and top hats, are sent on their way by the Constable of the Town and Manor to collect the rents from Commoners.

The Tithingmen are accompanied by the Orange Man, whose job was to carry the oranges handed out to the commoners in recognition of the town’s support for William of Orange.

Constable for the Town and Manor of Hungerford Julie Lloyd said: “A tremendous amount of hard work goes into organising the Hocktide celebrations to ensure its continued success as it is an event that people in the town look forward to each year.

“We are extremely proud of Hungerford’s connection with this truly historic event and remain determined to preserve it for many years to come, particularly as we believe we are now the only place where the tradition survives.”