Civic and Ceremonial

Bedfords Town Crier

Before the arrival of the internet, television and radio, the daily news was to be found in newspapers. In centuries gone by, many citizens could not read so there was a need for someone to spread the news. This was the official Town Crier employed by the Council. He would have to be able to read and have a strong voice. He would ring a bell to gain attention and shout “Oyez! Oyez!” before reading the notices. The crier would end by adding “God save the King (or Queen)!”

In Bedford, there is no detailed record of the Town Criers although the last one has a reputation.

He was John Stock, whose large, framed photograph in his uniform and top hat is outside the Mayor’s Parlour. He became Town Crier in December 1875. John Stock was well built and no doubt impressed those who stopped and listened to his news. He lived in Commercial Street and had nine children. As well as town crying he was also responsible for collecting money from the market traders on the town square for posters that many displayed. Apparently some of the money went into his own pocket and he was sacked in May 1901. He started Bedford Poster Service Co Ltd in July 1899 and no doubt this conflicted with his Council employment. The post of Town Crier was discontinued in June 1902.

TOWN CRIER BELL

The Town Crier hand bell shown in the photograph is in the Parlour on its own plinth. At 7¼ inches diameter and weighing 7¾ pounds it is much larger and heavier than modern crier’s bells in most other towns. It can therefore be heard from a good distance away. It rings sharp of note A.

WRITING SLOPE

John Stock’s writing slope in walnut was given to the Parlour by his daughter. When opened it forms a sloping desk top and reveals two ink containers and spaces for pens and sealing wax. Lids can be lifted to reveal room for paperwork, envelopes, etc. A pullout drawer on the side can only be reached when the slope is open. There are also three hidden compartments inside the top part of the desk. They are well concealed.

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