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Tutti Day kisses
Second Tuesday after Easter: lock up your oranges.
See it clearly
- What's there
- Victorian town hall on the High Street
- Legend from
- Living custom
- Tone
- Light-hearted
A horn from the Town Hall, poles of flowers, and kisses paid for with oranges.
Hungerford is said to be the only place in England that still keeps the old Hocktide festival, held on the second Tuesday after Easter. The custom is tied to rights granted to the commoners, by tradition from John of Gaunt in the 14th century. The Bellman sounds a horn from the Town Hall to call the Hocktide Court. Then the Tutti Men set off with decorated poles to visit the commoners' houses. They ask for a penny or a kiss, and the Orangeman hands out oranges in return. Newcomers at the lunch are 'shod' by the blacksmith.