Oyez, oyez, oyez – Ely appoints new town crier to historic role

People in Ely will soon be able to hear the familiar cry of "Oyez, oyey, oyez" as the city welcomes a new town crier.

Matthew Routledge will make his first appearance early next year when he will combine the role alongside his sales and events job for City of Ely Council.

The town crier once played an important role in daily life, acting as the spokesperson for the monarch and making announcements about public holidays, declarations of war and new taxes.

Nowadays, it is a ceremonial role, and in Ely the town crier attends events such as the city's Eel Day and the mayor-making ceremony.

Mr Routledge, who said it was an enormous honour to take on the position, said that he would not be "announcing any increase in taxation or criminal proceedings".

He added: "It now offers a wonderfully curious piece of pageantry, a celebration of the rich traditions of the United Kingdom, and one that I feel deeply privileged to undertake."

There is still the familiar cry of "Oyez", repeated three times, which originally meant "To hear".

The post in Ely was previously held by Cecilia De-Boer. She took over from long-time crier Avril Hayter-Smith, who held the post for 20 years.

A competition was held in October as part of the city's Apple and Harvest Fayre, when candidates were asked to write a "cry" on the theme of the harvest.

The council said the candidate needed to have a loud voice and a "creative flair" to enable them to create the perfect cries for events.

Ely mayor Chris Phillips said: "I am quite certain that he will be an enthusiastic and committed holder of the office."