Honiton Hot Pennies hopes to celebrate 800th anniversary
By Hannah Corfield
17th Sep 2021 | Local News
Organisers of the popular Hot Pennies tradition have announced that they are looking to hold the event on July 27, although it is subject to government guidelines.
This year marks the 800th anniversary of Honiton Hot Pennies, which dates back to when the town was granted a Royal Charter in the 13th Century, thus acquiring 'market town' status.
Speaking to Nub News, Honiton's Town Crier, Dave Retter said: "We are making plans to hold the event this year, as it is an important milestone for the town being 800 years since the tradition began.
"The Holt, The Volunteer and The Bed Expert are prepared to be involved and our sponsors Bevis and Beckingsale and Honiton Town Council are backing us, providing Covid doesn't scupper our plans."
The obscure and much-loved ceremony sees pubs and businesses on the High Street tossing warm pennies from upstairs windows, for the people gathered below to pick up off the street.
Historically wealthy townsfolk who occupied the High Street buildings would heat up coins before flinging them onto the street below.
They would then watch with great amusement as the lowly peasants scrambled around to retrieve them and in doing so burnt their fingers. Nowadays of course, nobody gets burnt but everybody has a great time.
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