local, regional or national government (often an officer of the court), because, amongst other duties, they brought news of new policies and taxes. The term “Don’t Shoot the Messenger!” became entrenched as law (at least in England), since the public may have shown their displeasure at new taxes by attacking the Town Crier. Even today, in the British Commonwealth, Town Criers are protected by an old English law that they are “not to be hindered or heckled while performing their duties,” since that can be seen as an act of treason against the monarchy.

The Town Crier was often required to act as a law enforcement officer in an era before the invention of the regular police force. As well, the Crier escorted the destitute to the workhouse, installedminor criminals in the stocks and administered floggings. During public hangings he read out why the person was being hanged, and helped to cut him or her down later.

Odd fact: Only a Town Crier may precede British royalty into a room.

Australia and New Zealand

Town Criers have been in these two countries for over 150 years. The first Australian Town Crier was a convict who arrived via First Fleet. The profession is governed by The Honourable Guild of (add Australian or New Zealand) Town Criers. The Australian Guild was formed in 1989, and has 36 members, by internet report.

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South America

In areas such as the Andes Mountains of South America, a town crier with rope drum beats a long roll to announce the latest gold prices acquired daily from London