Oyez! It’s Hocktide in Hungerford

AN ancient medieval tradition was celebrated in Hungerford on Tuesday.

Once celebrated throughout the country, Hocktide is the Town and Manor of Hungerford’s most important event, always held on the second Tuesday after Easter

Bellman Julian Tubb sounded the horn from the town hall to summon commoners to attend the Hocktide court at 9am.

After this, this year’s Tutti Men – Steve Brunning and Jacob Downey – visited all 102 commoners’ homes accompanied by Orangeman Nigel Perrin and the Tutti Girls from John O’Gaunt School.

The Tutti Men no longer collect rents, but demand a penny or a kiss from the lady of the house when they visit.

In return the Orangeman gives the owner an orange.

Commoners have the right to fish, graze cattle, shoot and collect watercress within the seasons

These ancient rights were attached to houses where the inhabitants lived and carried out their trades.

While the original houses have long since gone, the rights remain with the houses that have taken their place, and may be exercised by one person, known as a commoner, who lives or works in the property.

Guest of honour at the Commoners’ Lunch, held in the town hall. was former Labour Reading West MP Martin Salter, now head of policy for the Angling Trust.