Quick Facts
Biography
John Higgins was a Town crier in Newcastle upon Tyne in the 19th century.
His life
John Higgins was the Newcastle Town crier, known locally as the Bellman, in the mid to late 19th century. The official job involved “broadcasting” any official messages, for which he was paid by the local council. In addition to this he would also carry out unofficial/private briefs, usually concerning lost/missing or straying persons, children or animals and lost or stolen property. For these he charged the sum of one shilling, payable in advance. His job depended upon him having a good loud voice and a good memory. He also found time to run an extensive business as a house-agent in his spare time.
Before he got the job of Town crier, his life had been varied, having sold sweets (candy), clothes pegs, toys, lambs, had been a knife and scissors sharpener, cleared snow, collected for lotteries, and anything else which came his way, and from which he could make a profit. It is known that has held the position from the late 1850s until well into the 1870s but the exact duration is uncertain.
The locals used to make fun of his loud voice, but fortunately he had a good sense of humour. He cut a fine figure in his top hat, tail coat and cane, as he walked the streets and exuded an air of distinction. He was well liked and much respected by the local inhabitants.
His bell is now preserved in Newcastle’s Laing Art Gallery.
One of his successors as Town crier was Jacky Brown of Blaydon Races fame, appearing in the song as “Jackie Broon”.
Johnny Luik-up
The whole aura of the man could only lead to him being the subject of a caricature, and this came with the song "Johnny Luik-up" by George Ridley. John Higgins was the subject of the song and the person on who the character was (loosely) based, while Ridley dressed up as, and took on the character role of, “Johnny Luik-up”.
The song, the character, and the act were a great hit. A short bio appears on page 458 of Thomas Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs and Readings.