i68 THE BATH ROAD 



Hocktide is a stirring time in this little town of less 

 than three thousand inhabitants. It is determined 

 by Eastertide, and generally falls in April. The odd 

 observances derive their orioin from the conditions 

 imposed by John of Gaunt, father of Henry the 

 Fourth, who, in the fourteenth century, conferred the 

 rights and privileges of common-land and fishing in 

 the Kennet upon the town. To hand down the proof 

 of his gift to posterity, he presented with the charter 

 a brass horn which bears the inscription : — 



" John a Grauu did giue and 

 urant the Eiall of Fishiuu' to 

 Huugerford Toune from Eldien 

 Stub to Irish stil excepting sora 

 Seueral mil Pound 



Jehosphat Lucas was Cunstabl." 



Not this horn, but its seventeenth-century successor, 

 is jealously preserved in the Town Hall. It has a 

 capacity of one quart. 



As an unreformed borough, Hungerford still enjoys 

 the old-time custom of appointing, in the place of 

 Mayor and Corporation, a Constable, Portreeve, 

 Bailiff, Tithing-men, Keeper of the Keys of the 

 Coffers, Hayward, Water Bailiffs, Ale-tasters, and 

 Bellman. The ceremonies begin on the Friday before 

 Hock Tuesday with a " macaroni supper and jDunch- 

 bowl," and are held at the "John of Gaunt" inn. 

 Tuesday, however, is the great day, when at an early 

 hour the bellman goes round the borousfh commanLlino; 

 all those who hold land or dwellioos within the confines 

 of the town to appear at the Hockney, under pain of a 

 poll-tax of one penny, called the " head-penny." Lest 



