Opposition on a New Level: Invoking the Ancient Rite of Clameur de Haro

According to legend, the Clameur de Haro stretches back to the early Norman period in the Channel Islands. Rosie Henderson, from Guernsey in the Channel Islands just invoked the rite to oppose a road narrowing project.

August 17, 2018, 5am PDT | James Brasuell | @CasualBrasuell

Saint Peter Port in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

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"A woman has activated the ancient Norman rite of Clameur de Haro to protest against the narrowing of a road which she claims would endanger pedestrians and motorists," reports Nadeem Badshah.

"The clameur states: 'Haro! Haro! Haro! A l’aide, mon prince, on me fait tort,'" according to Badshah. Translated to English: 'Come to my aid, my prince, for someone does me wrong.'

"Rosie Henderson, from Guernsey, raised the clameur by kneeling and calling for help and reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Norman French," adds Badshah. "Fully enforceable in Guernsey and Jersey law, it means the construction work in St Peter Port must stop until a court decides the case."

Full Story:

Guernsey resident halts roadworks with ancient plea

Published on Thursday, August 16, 2018 in The Guardian