Reflecting Our Heritage: About The Town Crier Uniform
The Town Crier's uniform was designed by a town committee and is based on the color scheme of the Glengary Light Infantry Fencibles. They were one of the prinicipal units that settled in Perth after the war of 1812-1814. Their hunter green, black and silver trim jackets with grey pants predominate the great coat of the Town Crier. Where possible the buttons and buckles will are modelled on the Fencibles uniform.
The original design drawings are shown to the left of this article and described below. Some elements, such as the crests, were changed as the uniform developed.
A red sash, typical for a British Army Sergeant of the period, will contain the crests of the Fencibles along with the crests of the crests of the Swiss "Le Régiment de Watteville" and the Swiss "Le Régiment de Meuron" whose members also located in this area. Two other crests, the crest of the Town Of Perth and the crest of The Ontario Guild Of Town Criers will complete this sash.
The waistcoat contains the authentic pewter buttons which were part of the standard uniform of the British Regiments. Finally a traditional "tricorne hat" adorned by the feather quills completes the uniform. In addition to the light gray knee britches, the Town Crier also has the option of appearing in a traditional highland kilt, which was part of the dress uniform of many of the officers of the period.
To complete the look the Crier wears Ghillie Broques, which are a Scottish formal dress shoe, lace cuffs and a jobot. Authentic socks and garters also add to the overall appearance.
It was a major undertaking to design and create a uniform that will work on the hottest days of the summer and the coldest days of the winter. No doubt this project will be an on-going one for the Town Crier and the Heritage Management Committee.
A picture of the Town Crier in his full uniform can be seen by clicking here.
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