The Bellman

Another ancient role that remains very much alive today is that of The Bellman.

There is some uncertainty on exactly when this role first took place, there was certainly a Bellman by 1668 when the Corporation had to pay for a new & expensive cloth coat, however it is likely to of been in office before this date. 

The tradition originates from when the Mayor of the day was entitled to a toll which was levied on the corn set out for sale on the market, taking a handful from each seller. Trading could only commence once the toll was collected and this was marked by the ringing of the ‘Corn’ handbell. Rumour has it that one of the criteria for the position of Bellman was to have the largest hands in the locality. 

Though the toll was discontinued in 1849, the Bellman still rings the bell at 11am today. However traders will have been open for business for several hours by then and are not required to part with any of their wares.  

Other duties undertaken by The Bellman are as Deputy Mace-Bearer and Stave-Bearer in civic processions. When ringing the bell and stave-bearing The Bellman wears a beige coat and tricorn hat similar to the Hornblower’s.