The English city of Ripon (here's a map) isn't all that different from any other city in the area. There are schools and churches, shops and parks, and everything in between. There are even three museums and an equestrian racetrack. In the middle of the public square is the Ripon Obelisk, a centuries-old monument topped by a weathervane, marking the city's economic center. 

And every night, at 9 PM local time, you'll find one of these guys at the Obelisk, wearing a three-cornered black hat and carrying a really big horn. And if you're in the neighborhood, you may want to check it out -- he's carrying out what is very likely the world's longest-running daily municipal tradition.

It was therefore decided to appoint a wakeman. That was a man who would stay awake and patrol the settlement and the surrounding areas from dusk till dawn. He kept a watchful eye for any approaching enemy or troublemakers, while the rest of the people slept safely in their beds. It was further decided that the wakemen should put the charter horn to good use. He would sound it at the four corners of the market cross each evening at 9pm to let the people know that the watch was set and he was now on patrol.