Wakeman`s House (Ripon)
The Wakeman`s House is a historic building in the heart of the ancient city of Ripon in Yorkshire.
It stands on the corner of the Market Place.
The house dates from the 14th century, and was originally the home of Ripon`s wakeman.
The wakeman was an elected officer, who would be responsible for the safety of the town and its inhabitants during the night. The tradition of the wakeman continues today. Each night at 9pm a figure wearing a tricorn hat sounds a horn at each corner of the Market Cross. Hoseholders used to pay twopence per door per year, and if their householders were robbed after the setting of the watch, the wakeman was obliged to compensate them.
Tody, the office of wakeman has been replaced by that of mayor.