1963 Press Photo Town Crier Alfred Howard of City of London, British Festival

After two days of resolutely sticking to his official attire, Alfie Howard has shed coat for rest of his stay. You may not notice it, at that, for energetic Alfie is the official, the one and only town crier of the City of London, here for the British Festival. When he goes to work he habitually dons yellow woolen breeches, yellow woolen stockings, black silver-buckled shoes, yellow waistcoat, yellow lace jabot, 18th century woolen cutaway coat in rich maroon with elaborate gold lacing, the whole covered with maroon woolen overcoat with attached cape, well-laced with braid. He gets into this colorful throwback to men's peacock days each morning only after its 52 brass buttons have been polished into mirrors. The ensemble is fashioned bu the royal makers to the Queen, which is fitting, since the town crier is also one of a special English breed, the professional toastmaster, member of an ancient guild. "There are only 28 of us," he said seriously, "and three who are habitually called on for royal functions."

Photo is dated 1963.

Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches.