Lyme Regis Town Crier - Alan Vian

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'Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!'

Lyme’s first town crier was appointed by William the Conqueror, these days Alan Vian spreads the good news, following in the footsteps of Phil Street and before that, Richard Fox.

Lyme Regis's official town crier is an honorary position and Alan’s booming voice has been heard around Lyme since he was bestowed the duty in 2012.

According to The Loyal Company of Town Criers website, Town Criers as a position in England can be traced back to the Norman Invasion in 1066, and they are featured on the Bayeux Tapestry. Town criers were employed to inform townspeople the latest news, proclamations and bylaws, grabbing their attention by ringing a handbell. The traditional cry “Oyez!” (pronounced ‘oh yay’), comes from the French ouïr (‘to listen’) and means “Hear ye”. The cry ends with the words God save the Queen’.

Today the Town Crier is heard at civic ceremonies and local events.

A good voice, a sense of history and a sense of humour are important traits of a successful Town Crier.

Criers dress elaborately, by a tradition dating to the 18th century, in a red and gold coat, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat.

The distinctive clothes worn by a Town Crier is referred to as his livery and today it is based on the clothing worn by a late 18th century coachman. Typically, a Crier will wear a tricorn or bicorn hat with feathers, greatcoat or frock coat, white shirt with lace cuffs, jabot or stock, waistcoat, breeches, white hose and buckled shoes or plain boots.

Lyme Regis Town Crier - Alan Vian

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