Ripon

This is a 1960 poster by British Railways showing the famous Wakeman of Ripon.

of Ripon. This is one of England’s oldest traditions , stretching back more than 1100 years to Saxon times .King Alfred was on the throne when he visited the settlement in 886 AD and he gifted a horn to help warn of invaders .

The horn is still blown at 9pm from all 4 corners of the Market Square to tell everybody that the Wakeman is on duty, the watch is set, and that they can sleep safely in their beds .

Artwork by Claude Buckle

Code number 66136