It’s fair to say that Rawden is a proud Lancastrian and ‘Snuffy Arroder’ – a person born in Great Harwood. As such, he was delighted to be appointed to the post of the Great Harwood Town Crier in 2010.
Resplendent in his uniform, Rawden donned his plumed tricorn hat and white gloves before ringing his (very loud) bell and with “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” he definitely gained the meeting’s attention before he enunciated his first ‘cry’, a poem explaining the town crier’s role. In keeping with tradition, he finished the cry with, “God Save The King, Duke of Lancaster!”
Rawden in his splendid uniform.
(Photo: Peter Booth)
In less stentorian tones, Rawden informed us that all Town Criers wear a bright uniform – not always red – and employ a loud instrument: a bell, rattle, post horn, drum or even a kazoo, to gain the crowd’s attention, before announcing their important message. Around 100 Town criers in the UK maintain important traditions such as, in his case, ‘crying’ the Great Harwood Market Charter in the town square on 21st August each year. Originally granted by the King in 1338, the right to hold a market could be lost, if the Charter is not ‘cried’ each year.
Town Criers also take part in competitions held throughout the British Isles, the USA, Europe and even in the far east. The Town Criers usually process through the town before delivering two ‘cries’: the first a ‘home’ cry; the second on a subject chosen by the home crier, which the competitors have to compose and deliver. Five judges decide the winner according to five criteria: volume and diction, consistency (of tone and volume), accuracy, disposition and costume.
Rawden recounted some of his experiences of competitions – always enjoyable even if you don’t win – and the characters he has encountered over the years. One achievement of which he is particularly proud, is winning a competition to write a cry for the accession of King Charles III. Also, he was invited by another proud Lancastrian, Sir Lindsey Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, to deliver the ‘Lancashire Cry’ in Westminster Hall on Lancashire Day on 27th November 2022.
Rawden with local MP and Deputy Speaker, Nigel Evans, in the Speaker’s Chambers. Sir Lindsey Hoyle was unable to attend.
( Photo: Mrs Kerr)
Rawden tries to promote town crying by giving talks and often visits schools. After one such talk, a school in Great Harwood held its own Town Crier competition, which gave Rawden the idea of starting an inter-school competition. Five schools have agreed to take part. The winning pupil will deliver their cry at the ‘switch on’ of the Christmas lights in the town square.
Rawden ended his most informative and entertaining talk by delivering the ‘Lancashire Cry’ to the Friends who attended.
The Lancashire Cry