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

The Bellman traditionally signaled the start of trading on the market square by ringing the bell at 11am and would also be responsible for the collection of a ‘toll’ from traders.

It is unclear when this tradition goes back to, however it can be linked to when the Ripon Corporation levied a corn–toll, and the opening of the market in the open square, opposite the Unicorn Hotel, was commenced by the Bell-Man ringing the Corn bell.  Tradition also has it that the Bell-Man must have large hands as the corn toll required him to take a handful from each sack of corn as toll.

Today The Bellman still rings the bell at 11am, though the 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.