Ripon seeks new hornblower

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Ripon City Council is advertising for a new hornblower.

The Ripon hornblower tradition dates back to the 9th century, making it one of the longest ongoing traditions in the world.

Patricio Maglio's resignation from the four-person hornblowing team means there is a rare vacancy to perform the historic role.

According to legend, Alfred the Great presented Ripon with a charter horn in 886AD when he granted charter rights to the city, due to its support against Viking raids.

A wakeman was subsequently established, whose duty it was to watch over the city at night in case of Viking activity. 

The horn was blown every night at 9pm to signify the start of his watch — a tradition that continues today.

The wakeman had constables to patrol the streets and prevent crime in the area. He also had the right to levy a rate on houses, according to the number of outside doors.

As a result, the wakeman was often one of the wealthiest men in Ripon.

These days, the horn is blown at 9pm every night at each of the four corners of the obelisk in Ripon Market Place to signify the beginning of the 'watch'.

It is said that this tradition has been upheld every night since its inception, without fail.

Ripon City Council is now offering citizens a chance to be a part of this city’s history-rich tradition.

A Hornblower must sound the Horn at 9pm each night and provide a brief history of the horn blowing ceremony for the public in attendance. The ceremony is then followed by the sounding of the horn three times outside the Mayor’s house.

Duties are allocated on a pre-agreed rota, meaning some flexibility is required.

The role is paid monthly, at a rate of £13.05 per hour.

For more information and to submit an application, click here.