By Charlotte Emily Devizes Town Crier
There are some moments when history feels less like something written in books and more like something happening right in front of you….
Standing in Devizes Market Place, raising my voice with the traditional cry of “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!”, I had the incredible honour of being nominated the first female Town Crier of Devizes.
I have done some scary things in my time, but I cannot remember the last time I felt quite so nervous. Yet there was something wonderful about standing there, surrounded by smiling faces and the history of this remarkable market town, knowing I was becoming part of its HERstory. Devizes, the home of Daphne Oram, a pioneer of electronic music and a founder of the radiophonic workshop.
Perhaps it was fitting that I should find myself drawn to a role built around making voices heard. I have always believed that when something matters, someone needs to be willing to stand up and say so. A Town Crier’s role has always been just that: to bring news, celebrate achievements and make sure the voice of the community is heard.
Before becoming Town Crier, I briefly held another unusual distinction as the world’s first fully licensed female boxing MC. Announcing fighters in a boxing ring certainly taught me how to project my voice, but proclaiming the story of Devizes felt like a very different kind of honour.
The tradition of Town Crying stretches back centuries. It is thought that early versions of the role appeared in Ancient Greece, where heralds announced important news and events. By medieval times, Town Criers had become an essential part of community life, bringing proclamations and announcements to those who gathered in marketplaces.
In 1066, King Harold is said to have granted Certificates of Protection to Town Criers, as they were often responsible for delivering unpopular news and could become the target of public anger. King John later decreed that anyone who harmed a Town Crier would face severe punishment for treason. And if my proclamations ever prove too loud, too enthusiastic, or occasionally too honest, I ask only that you remember your history and “don’t shoot the messenger”!
The familiar cry of “Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” comes from the Old French meaning “listen” or “hear ye”!
Town Criers were not simply loud voices. They were the original news service: announcing royal proclamations, posting notices and sharing information before newspapers, radio, social media or even Devizine existed. Their tricorn feathers were not just decoration either; they were traditionally used as quills for writing those important notices.
Women, too, have played their part in this history. One of the earliest recorded female Town Criers was Beetty (Betty) Dick of Dalkeith, Scotland, in the 18th century. Rather than using the traditional bell, she is said to have used a saucepan to attract attention before making her announcements. Women, haven’t we all felt we needed to do that occasionally?
Now, centuries later, another woman, me, has added her voice to that tradition, this time here in Devizes.
The role of Town Crier is not just about volume. It is about celebrating a place, its people and its stories. And what a privilege it was to proclaim a town like Devizes: a place of Moonrakers and music, canal and community; where the Market Cross, the Corn Exchange and the mighty Caen Hill Locks tell stories of trade, ingenuity and resilience.
The occasion felt even more special because I was able to represent Devizes while wearing Devizes.
My dress came from The Wardrobe, my underwear (ahem) from Amelie and the magnificent robes I wore were kindly loaned by Dig It Vintage on 10 John Street. I was deeply honoured to discover that they once belonged to Betty Boothroyd, the first female Speaker of the House of Commons and a fellow past showgirl like me.
To wear robes connected to such an important woman in British history, while becoming the first female Town Crier of Devizes, feels like a remarkable meeting of past and present and I am deeply moved and honoured.
From Betty Dick with her saucepan, to Betty Boothroyd in the House of Commons, to a woman (not called Betty!) standing in Devizes Market Place with a bell, a voice and a whole lot of sass.
I was proud to stand there representing every woman who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated or told to “tone it down”. Like many menopausal women, I have reached a point where I don’t care what people think of me and I know my voice matters, and there is very little anyone can do about it, because I have a big bell… and the historic protection of the King!
I look forward to using my voice to celebrate this town: its independent businesses, its events, its charities, its volunteers and all the people who make Devizes such a special place.
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!
God Save The King!
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