It's Hocktide at Hungerford as tutti men make their rounds

Town is the last in England to regularly celebrate ancient tradition

COMMONERS of the Town and Manor of Hungerford gathered in the May sunshine for the annual Hocktide celebration today (Tuesday).

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 tutti men are 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.

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 atsmosphere in town today, Barnaby Newtown's restored Fairground organ will be in the High Street all day.

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