Other historic roles in the borough

There are several other roles in the borough that have historic importance. Please see below: 

Town Crier
Appointments to the role of Town Crier are made by the Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant and High Steward. Candidates must live in the borough and have strong links with the community.

After a period of silence, the honour of this ceremonial role has been bestowed upon Michael Seigel, a former headmaster.

Michael has lived in the borough for over 33 years and has record of community involvement dating back just as far. He is currently Chair of the Kingston Tour Guides and was the first Chair of the Canbury Area Residents Association (CARA) established in 1991.

The history of Town Criers

The position of Town Crier was originally that of ‘Crier of the Town Court’ and dates back to medieval times. ‘Oyez’ (pronounced ‘oh yay’) means “hear ye”. The Town Crier would begin his cry with these words, accompanied by the ringing of a large hand bell to attract attention. It was the job of the crier or bellman to inform the townspeople of the latest news, proclamations, bylaws and any other important information, as at this time most folk were illiterate and could not read.

Besides proclaiming the news, it was commonplace for a Town Crier to carry out other essential duties. They were known to patrol the streets after dark, acting as peacekeepers and escorting people to the stocks, and making sure fires were damped down for the night after the curfew bell.

Kingston did away with its Town Crier in 1914 but it was re-established in 1984 by the present Royal Borough and combined with the position of Tipstaff.

Invite the Town Crier to an event

Today, Mr Seigel’s duties centre around supporting the borough’s civic and community events and strengthening ties to Kingston’s historic past. If you would like the Town Crier to attend your event, please use our online form to check his availability.

You will be asked to provide the following details:

• to state if it is a community event, fundraising event or commercial event
• the date and time required at the event
• full details on what the town crier's role would be (if he is available) 
• the event organiser's contact details

Please note: if you would like the Town Crier to support a commercial activity, we ask for a donation to be made to the Mayor's Charitable Trust. For further information, please contact the Mayor's Office. 

The Tipstaff

Mr Michael Seigel was appointed to the position of Honorary Tipstaff & Town Crier with effect from the Annual Council meeting on 22nd May 2018 for a period of three years to expire on the date of the Annual Council meeting in 2021.  In 2024, he has recently been reappointed again for another three years. 

The 'Ancient' Offices of Honorary Recorder and High Steward

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is the only Borough possessing the privilege of appointing its own High Steward and Recorder.  First mention of the office of Recorder is made in the Royal Charter granted to the town by King James I in 1603.  The Recorder was a member of the Court of Assembly (which used to carry out much of the work now undertaken by the Council) and presided over the local courts.  Since the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 the office has become an honorary one.

Many eminent members of the legal profession have held the office of Recorder for the Royal Borough including Sir Douglas Hogg and Sir Thomas Inskip, both of whom became Lord High Chancellor, Sir Donald Somervell, who retired from office on appointment as Lord Justice of Appeal, Sir Hartley Shawcross, Sir Elwyn Jones and Lord Rawlinson.

The Honorary Recorder is The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP (Attorney General from 2010 to 2014).

The title of High Steward is also an honorary one.  Generally the position was held by a person of high rank and influence at Court.  Along with the Recorder, the High Steward was also a Member of the Court of Assembly.  Perhaps the most eminent occupant of the office of High Steward of the Royal Borough was Lord Howard of Effingham, who was Lord High Admiral and Commander in Chief of the forces which defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.

The High Steward is Colonel Geoffrey Godbold, OBE, TD, DL.

Honorary Freemen

The Royal Borough may confer the status of Honorary Freeman on a person of distinction who, in the opinion of the Council, has rendered eminent services to the Royal Borough.  Such status may only be conferred by a two-thirds majority of the Council at a special meeting convened for the purpose.

A list of those persons on whom the status of Honorary Freeman can be found on one of the boards in the Queen Anne Suite and in Committee Room 1. 

Honorary Aldermen

The Royal Borough may also confer the status of Honorary Alderman on a person who has rendered eminent service as a past member of the Council but who is no longer a Member.  Once again, such status may only be conferred by a two-third majority of the Council at a special meeting convened for the purpose.  The names of past Honorary Alderman appear on the board in Committee Room 1.

The Lord Mayor of London

The Lord Mayor of the City of London takes precedence over all London Borough Mayors, except the Mayor of the Borough in which a function is being held.  There is no Deputy Lord Mayor.  The Lord Mayor of London is styled 'The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London' and should not be confused with the elected Mayor of London who has London wide responsibilities.

The Lord Lieutenancy

The Lord Lieutenant of Greater London is the Sovereign's Representative in Greater London (but not the City) and, as such, should be accorded due precedence.  For each London Borough there is Representative Deputy Lieutenant whose job it is to act for the Lord Lieutenant within the Borough.  Except when officially acting for the Lord Lieutenant, a Representative Deputy Lieutenant has no precedence by virtue of office, but should be given suitable recognition.  Kingston's Representative Deputy Lieutenant is currently Father Martin Hislop DL.  In 2022, Andrew Ranson DL also became our Deputy Lieutenant so he can attend on Father Martin’s behalf if he himself is not available.

The High Sheriff

The High Sheriff of Greater London is appointed annually and is responsible for the administration of justice within Greater London (other than the City).  The High Sheriff is accorded precedence immediately after the Lord Lieutenant.