Town crier

A town crier is a person who is employed by a town council to make public announcements in the streets.

They usually dress elaborately—by tradition in a red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorn hat.

They carry a hand bell to attract people s attention, as they shout the words Oyez, Oyez! before making their announcements. The words Oyez, Oyez! mean hear ye , which is a call for silence and attention. Oyez in the French language means listen .

In Medieval England, town criers were the cheif means of news communication with the people of the town since many people could not read or write.