Nestled in the heart of the charming town of Ripon, England, there exists a tradition that spans centuries and bridges the gap between history and modernity. It's a tradition that involves a horn, a tunic-clad guardian, and the resounding echoes of a bygone era. Welcome to the fascinating world of the Horn Blower of Rippon, where time stands still, and history comes alive.
To truly appreciate the significance of the Horn Blower of Rippon, we must embark on a journey back in time. Ripon, a city steeped in history, boasts a legacy that predates even the Domesday Book of 1086. It was in this venerable town that the tradition of the Horn Blower was born.
The horn, an instrument of communication and timekeeping, took on a special role in Ripon's history. In 886 AD, during the reign of King Alfred the Great, Ripon was granted the privilege of sounding the horn as a sign of its freedom from Viking rule. This freedom was a prestigious gift, and the town swore to protect it for all eternity.
Every evening at precisely 9 pm, in the heart of Ripon's Market Square, the Horn Blower steps onto the ancient obelisk known as the Wakeman's House. He dons a traditional tunic, symbolic of a time when knights roamed the land and chivalry was the order of the day.
As the clock tower chimes nine, the Horn Blower raises his horn, poised to unleash a powerful blast. The blast is blown at the four corners of the Obelisk in Ripon Market Place to set the ‘watch’ and then outside the house of the Mayor. It resonates through the silent streets, reminding all who hear it of Ripon's enduring freedom. It's a haunting, almost mystical, sound that transports you to a different era.
The honour of being the Horn Blower in Rippon is no small matter. The duties are now shared between a team including the first female Hornblower!
The city has 4 horns, the oldest of which is known as the Charter Horn, since according to ancient tradition it symbolised the granting of charter rights to Ripon in AD 886. Whatever the truth of this legend, the horn is many centuries old and is kept in the Town Hall where it can be seen on application. It hangs on a baldric, a broad belt studded with silver badges bearing the emblems of Wakemen and Mayors up to 1886. A second horn, now used as the reserve, was acquired in 1690, and a third horn, purchased by the Mayor in 1865, is the horn normally blown today. A fourth horn, given to the city in the festival year of 1886, came from the Chillingham herd of wild cattle in Northumberland. Like the Charter Horn, it is displayed on a baldric in the Town Hall.
The Ripon community plays an active role in preserving this unique tradition. They recognise that the Horn Blower isn't just a person blowing a horn; they are a symbol of their collective identity and the custodian of their cherished freedom.
In a fast-paced world where traditions often fade into obscurity, the Horn Blower in Rippon stands as a steadfast guardian of Ripon's history. This timeless ceremony reminds us of the importance of heritage, community, and the enduring legacy of small towns.
So, if you ever find yourself in the enchanting town of Ripon, be sure to stand in Market Square at 9 p.m. As the clock tower strikes the hour, close your eyes and let the echoing notes of the horn carry you through the annals of time. In that moment, you'll experience the rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of Ripon, and you'll become a part of the enduring tradition of the Horn Blower.
Check your understanding
What is the central tradition discussed in the text, and where does it take place?
How did Ripon's horn-blowing tradition originate, and what significant event in history does it commemorate?
What role does the Horn Blower play in Ripon's tradition, and what is the significance of the horn itself?
At what time and location does the Horn Blower perform the horn-blowing ceremony?
How does the Ripon community actively contribute to the preservation of this tradition, and why is it considered important in today's world?
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Vocabulary
Venerable: Worthy of respect or reverence due to age or historical significance.
Legacy: Something handed down from the past, often of historical or cultural importance.
Chivalry: The medieval knightly system with its values and code of conduct, including courtesy and courage.
Baldric: A broad belt worn over one shoulder and across the chest to support a sword or horn, often decorated with emblems.
Custodian: A person who has the responsibility for taking care of or protecting something valuable.
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