150 Sungerjord. 



cultivated for two years in succession, and on the third was thrown 

 open to pasture cattle. In 1812 the common was enclosed, and 

 this long standing custom was abolished. Traversing the downs 

 from west to east, is a bank surmounted by a hedge, and flanked 

 on each side by a ditch, which originally marked the boundary 

 of the Hungerford property, and is therefore of considerable 

 antiquity, 



Let me now draw your attention to the annual ceremonies 

 connected with Hock-tide. The election of the various oflBcers of 

 the Borough for the year ensuing, is held on Hock-Tuesday, (which 

 is the second Tuesday after Easter), when the commoners are 

 assembled at 8 o'clock in the morning at the sound of this horn, 

 which is a substitute for the older one, and bears this inscription, 



" John 0. Gaunt did give and grant the Riall Fishing to Hungerford Towne, 

 from Eldred Stub to Irish StU, excepting som several mil-pound." Jehoshaphat 

 Lucas was Constable. 



If the summons is neglected, or the sum of Id. is not paid to 

 acknowledge it, the ofiender is deprived of his right of common 

 and fishing for that year. In ancient times Hock Tuesday was a 

 day of general rejoicing, in commemoration of the victories gained 

 by the Saxons over the Danes, and in the account of Magdalene 

 College, Oxford, it is related that on that day, the females who 

 reside in the College Manors in Hampshire used in merriment 

 to stop the way with ropes, and pull passengers towards them, 

 desiring something to be laid out in pious uses. A custom 

 akin to this is retained in Hungerford. In the good old 

 times before the days of policemen, two tithingraen were appointed 

 annually to keep a watch over the inhabitants and property of 

 Hungerford; and on Hock-Tuesday were entitled to demand a 

 penny a-head from the towns-people for services rendered during 

 the past year. Their duties have long ceased, but their emolument 

 still exists. Perhaps its vitality is nourished by a popular tradition 

 that if the penny is refused, all the females of the house must 

 submit to be kissed by the tithingmen. The origin of this 

 tradition opens a wide field for speculation to archaeologists. 

 But I would caution any gentleman against trying to dispute 



