AN ancient medieval tradition was celebrated in Hungerford on Tuesday, April 9.
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.
Guest of honour at the Commoners’ Lunch was former Labour Reading West MP Martin Salter, now head of policy for the Angling Trust.
