Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Hartley/Shutterstock (14425037ag)
Tutti Man Jacob Downey gives landlady Sylvi Giuliani a kiss.
The Hocktide tradition survives only in Hungerford in Berkshire, although the festival was somewhat modified to celebrate the patronage of the Duchy of Lancaster. John of Gaunt, the 1st Duke of Lancaster, granted grazing rights and permission to fish in the River Kennet to the commoners of Hungerford. Despite a legal battle during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) when the Duchy attempted to regain the lucrative fishing rights, the case was eventually settled in the townspeople's favour after the Queen herself interceded. Hocktide in Hungerford now combines the ceremonial collecting of the rents with something of the previous tradition of demanding kisses or money.
Hungerford Hocktide and Tutti Day, Hungerford, Berkshire, UK - 09 Apr 2024