American Town Crier Guild Champion, Redmond O’ Colonies at the 2009 Living History Event

Town Criers: A Proud and Honorable Tradition

Town Crying can be traced back to 1066 A.D. when news of Britain’s invasion by William the Conqueror was passed on from town to town by individuals employed for that specific reason of proclaiming the King’s news.

As long as there has been a need for distributing information, there have been people to deliver it. Town crying was born of necessity, as the first “talking” newspaper. The general public, who was largely illiterate until well into the 19th century, were able to hear the news in town squares, markets, and public meeting places all over Britain. The call “Oyez, Oyez”, translated as “Hark” or “Listen” became an honorable tradition that still stands today in many places around the world.