The Mace-Bearer Magazine - Guild of Mace-Bearers

THE CITY OF RIPON BELLMAN
To those who frequent Ripon market in North Yorkshire on Thursdays, the Bellman is a very familiar figure as
dressed in his formal uniform he proclaims the market 'open' at 11.00am with eleven 'dongs' of his handbell.
The Bellman's office is an ancient one - there was certainly a Bellman by 1668 when the Corporation had to pay for a
new and expensive cloth coat. Other recurrent cost over the years included his large silver badge of office, his tricorn
hat and of course his bell (nine shillings in 1668).
In past centuries the Mayor was entitled to a toll, the 'Market Sweepings', levied
on the corn set out for sale and trading could only begin when this tax had been
collected - the go-ahead being given by the ringing of the 'Corn' handbell. It is
rumoured the one of the criteria for the position of Bellman was to have the
largest hands in the locality! The toll was discontinued in 1849.
The Bellman's other duties were as Town Crier, an office which has unfortunately
died out. In 1673 when there was an important announcement to be made, the
Corporation had the news proclaimed at the Cross in the Market Place and also
"did order the Bellman to ' tincle' (sic) the bell throughout the towne".
In 1800 George
Wills, Bellman,
was "paid 5
shillings for each
whipping".
As is the case today, the Bellman would walk in civic processions, but in Georgian
times he also appears to have been responsible (and could claim expenses) for
cleaning the Market Place, posting up notices, lighting fires for Corporation meetings, and acting as their courier
(1802: "ordered that the Bellman's fees for making calls in the town in future be threepence each and fourpence for
the country").
One of the duties which a vindictive Bellman would have enjoyed was chastising malefactors in the Square on
market day using a cat o' nine tails - an event which would certainly have contributed to town centre entertainment.
In 1800 George Wills, Bellman, was "paid 5 shillings for each whipping".
The identity of several Bellmen is known, one of the earliest (1749) being William Bell
who presumably got the job on the strength of his name alone. John Gregg, Bellman
for nearly 30 years (1853-82), had a powerful and well modulated voice, his fame
soon spread abroad and many matches were made as to which town had the best
Bellman. Apparently he was also very athletic and backed himself to leap any tollgate
in the neighbourhood, a feat which he accomplished on many occasions. Even
this man's health eventually gave out and in 1882 he was succeeded firstly by his
son-in-law James Flinn and then in 1886 by his grandson Anthony Flinn.
The Bellman's role in Ripon as Town Crier appears to have lapsed in Edwardian
times which is regrettable for Town Criers are essentially part of our heritage much
appreciated by townsfolk and visitors alike.
Each July at the beautiful Ripon racecourse the Bellringer Stakes is run (this year on
the21st July) which requires the Bellman in full civic uniform to walk out onto the
course and sound his bell in front of the main Grandstand at the start of the race.
Conveniently and presumably for the safety of the Bellman the race is over one and
a quarter miles which allows ample time for him to vacate the racetrack in a sedate
and dignified manner!
Brian Rushworth, City of Ripon Bellman
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