Oyez, oyez, oyez!

This is the town crier of Knaresborough, and our friend Bill from New Zealand who is staying with us this week.


"Oyez, oyez, oyez!" is the traditional call or cry of the town crier (pronounced  ‘oh yay’) and comes from the French ouïr (‘to listen’) and means “Hear ye”. The town crier would begin his cry with these words, accompanied by the ringing of a large hand bell to attract attention. It was the job of the crier or bellman to inform the townspeople of the latest news, proclamations, bylaws and any other important information, as in medieval times most folk were illiterate and could not read.