Town Crier
Country of Origin: England

yez! Oyez! Oyez! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The official Town of Crier of The City of St. Charles brings to life historical pageantry and thunderous announcements.

Europe’s long history of declaration began with the first recorded Crier at Great Britain’s Battle of Hastings in the year 1066. Town Criers brought essential news and governmental orders to communities absent of printed materials and overwhelmed with illiteracy.

Dependence on Criers grew throughout Europe and spread to the American Colonies throughout the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The mid 1800’s brought the American Industrial Revolution and the ability to mass-produce newspapers, eliminating the need for the outspoken village Crier.

However, historical romantics will still find the art of proclamation is alive and well in St. Charles. Lend an ear to the Town Crier, who shares important news at the top of every hour of Christmas Traditions.