We always enjoy Tutti Day at Hungerford Arcade as do all the towns folk and businesses in this beautiful market town. Hungerford is the only place in the country to have continuously celebrated Tutti Day. Today, it marks the end of the town council’s financial year but, in the past it was a celebration of the town’s great patron, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399). Member of the House of Plantagenet and the third surviving son of King Edward III of England and Philippa of Hainault
The Bellman, (or Town Crier) summons the Commoners of the town to the Hocktide Court held at the Town Hall, while two florally decorated Tutti Men and the Orange Man visit every house with commoners’ rights (almost a hundred properties), accompanied by six Tutti Girls drawn from the local school. Originally, the Tutti Men collected head pennies to ensure fishing and grazing rights. Today, instead of taxes, they collect kisses from each lady of the house.
For all the latest news go to our Newsletter at www.hungerfordarcade.co.uk
