Ripon Hornblower
Ripon, Yorkshire 886
“Every night of the year without fail, a horn is blown at the four corners of the Obelisk in Ripon Market Place to set the ‘watch’.” - Ripon City Council.
Folklore doesn’t just consist of vampires, werewolves, ghosts, etc. Sometimes, folklore can be an ancient tradition that refuses to be broken and brings folk together. The Ripon Hornblower is one of the oldest and longest unbroken traditions in England, and happens in Yorkshire’s very own Ripon. The tradition began in the year 886, when regular Viking incursions occurred. King Alfred the Great was so impressed with Ripon and the support he received that he granted a Royal Charter in the unusual shape of a Horn, known as ‘The Charter Horn’.
Every day at dusk, the ‘Wakeman’ blew this horn at all four corners of the market cross, setting the ‘watch’ over the city and allowing the residents to feel safe to fall asleep. The Wakeman didn’t only have responsibility of the Charter Horn, he also had the power to police the streets and exact fines. Sounds cool, until you find out that the Wakeman was also responsible for making compensation in the event of burglary during the hours of his watch.
In 1604, following a second Charter from King James I, the Wakemen were replaced by a mayor, which made Hugh Ripley the last Ripon Wakeman and the first Mayor of Ripon. Today, you will see Ripon Town Hall on the edge of the market square marking the words ‘Except ye Lord, Keep ye Cittie, ye Wakeman Waketh in Vain’, Ripon has continued the tradition of blowing the horn every day at 9pm at all four corners of the obelisk.
The oldest horn still in use today was purchased in 1690 by the Corporation for 6s 8d (about 34p!). I always find it so fascinating when a community, through thick and thin, refuse to give up a tradition, may the Ripon Hornblowers continue!
