Horsham’s last town crier – a UK champion!

Like most towns and cities across the UK, Horsham once had its own town crier.

Back before newspapers were able to provide information to the masses, the church sermon was the only place where you might pick up on what’s happening where you lived and further afield.

so, in Medieval times, the crier became an official and permanent appointment. He would disseminate public announcements passed down from the king or more local people of importance.

With the arrival of newspapers and public notices the crier became more symbolic, but Horsham had two men in the role who are remembered for different reasons.

Dan Robert’s, who died in 1825, was renowned for the impressive and colourful way he dressed… and also for his rather large nose! Dan lives on thanks to the Morris dance ‘Old Dan Roberts’ that various teams perform.

However, even more famous is William (Billy) Law. He is, in fact, Horsham’s last town crier, but he went out in style.

In 1912 Billy issued a challenge to all the other town criers to compete in the ‘Battle of the Bellmen’. It was sponsored by the Daily Express and around 9,000 people turned up to watch the 38 contestants take part on February 23.

Billy won the day and was presented with a handsome bell as victor of the Town Criers Championship of Great Britain.

On his return to Horsham, Billy was carried aloft by a big crowd from the railway station to the Carfax with the town band playing and marching with him.

Sadly, Billy proved to be the last Horsham town crier but his name lives on. The bell he won is on show at Horsham Museum which also has the photos featured in this article.