Tom the Bellman: The bellman's job was to parade through the town on the monthly fair days, ringing his bell so that everyone would listen to his announcements about dances, auctions, items for sale, etc.

Jack Straw: Selling ballad sheets on the streets was not allowed, as they often contained anti-government sentiments. Tom got around this by selling straws from his bundle. With every straw sold, he 'bestowed' a ballad!

Tom the Thresher: Tom was a master corn thresher and also the town crier.