Custom contrived: Whitby Krampus Run

Whitby is a delightful seaside town which a considerable amount of history but it lacks any calendar customs compared to nearby Scarborough and so the arrival of the Krampus run is to be considerably welcome even though it makes no sense whatsoever to have it in the town let alone Britain being a custom restricted central Europe Austria, Croatia and Slovenia but no worries because in a strange way it fits in well with Whitby’s burgeoning Gothic (and Goth) Steampunk scene. For those unaware the Krampus, is a demon who accompanies St Nicholas when he visits the houses of children on the 5th December. Whilst St Nicholas gives out gifts to the good children, the Krampus punishes the naughty often collecting into a bag carried on its back.

Despite the first Whitby Krampus Run being 2015 it has now firmly established itself. For the 9th run the BBC reported in the 2023 article by Julie Bryson Whitby Krampus Run: Festive folklore marked in Yorkshire town reported that:

“Mr Mitchell said the idea for the event was sparked by a holiday souvenir. In 2003, we went to the Czech Republic and picked up this wooden figure who we didn’t know much about,” he said. “We did our research and thought – this will be fun! And it’s grown into what it is today.” He said the Krampus parades which take place in Austrian villages can be wilder than the one they have created, with Krampus often seen running into crowds and whipping them…..We have had to tailor it for our audience.”

As such the article continues to describe the run

“Organiser Laurence Mitchell said: “About 50 people joined Whitby Krampus Run in the North Yorkshire town…Some were dressed as Krampus, in full “fells outfits” including wooden masks – and others were dressed as animals such as foxes or reindeer….Speaking ahead of the popular event, Mr Mitchell said: “We have reindeer heads on sticks, and an old dog cart that’s pulled up the hill that has music and speakers on. We also have drummers and fire performers, who will all stop along the way to perform for the crowds.”
Mr Mitchell said the event is designed to bring together European and local traditions, and those taking part will be experience a “salt blessing” where they will be showered in Whitby Sea Salt. Others carry a model of the Whitby Wyrm, a dragon-like creature which legend has it used to live on the headland by Whitby Abbey. Events also include a snowball fight, with fake snowballs, and a stand-off between a fox and the parade’s drummers, the Krampus Krumpettes.”

The costumes are absolutely incredible and it is evident this is no DIY pastiche which the impressive masks being scary and realistic. Much of the morning is spent with small groups of Krampuses (Krampi?) processing and posing for photographs around the narrow streets of the town to the delight and fear of the people and children going about their day.

Then in the afternoon all the Krampuses assembly at the band stand at the harbour side of the town to make their procession or run around the town. The costumes glistened in the bright December light with children being equally delighted and scared worrying they would end up in a krampus bag. The light begins to fail the Krampus become even scarier and as night has fallen accompanied with eerie Germanic techno music they reach the cliffs overlooking the bay and start to dance, swirling around and scaring the audience.

Custom demised: The Feast of the Conception of Our Blessed Lady, the Chapel of the Savoy, London

John Strype, in his 1822 Ecclesiastical Memorials notes that on the 8th of December was the conception of our blessed Lady and that:

“ a goodly procession at the Savoy by the Spaniards, the priest carrying the Sacrament between his hands, and one deacon carrying a censer censing, and another the holy-water stock, and a number of friars and priests singing; and every man and woman, knights also and gentlemen, bearing green tapers burning, and eight trumpets blowing; and when they ceased, then began the sackbuts to play, and when they had done, there was one who carried two drums on his back, and one came after beating them. And so done, they went about the Savoy, now singing, and a while after playing again, and by-and-by came singing into the church, and after that they went to mass.”

Whilst many Catholic churches make the feast day their processions are not as grand as that once down in the 16th century and it no longer happens at the Savoy chapel.

Custom transcribed: Leed’s Caribbean Carnival

“Carnival is the embodiment of their sense of being and purpose and its celebration is an essential and profoundly self-affirming gesture of a people.”

Dr Geraldine Connor, renowned ethnomusicologist and artistic creator of Carnival Messiah

I have reported on here about the Notting Hill Carnival, a giddying display of sounds and sights which is one of the jewels in the crown of our calendar customs. However, the oldest Caribbean carnival is the lesser known Leeds West Indian Carnival as it calls itself and despite being considerably less well-known is every way as vibrant and awe inspiring.

There is certainly a carnival feeling that has taken over Leeds as even in the city centre one could see suitably attired individuals jumping aboard buses heading to Chapeltown where the carnival is based. The buses do not go far though as soon they get diverted as all roads to carnival central are closed and the passengers pour out to make their pilgrimage on foot. Soon the excitement begins to build as one comes across sound system after sound system nestled in shop fronts, check by jawl with food stalls. The sounds of reggae, soca and zouk mixing with the smells of rice and peas, saltfish and jerk. People laughing and singing clearly getting into the party mood – however, they would have a long time to wait these sound systems were towards the end of the parade.

Hot, Hot, Hot

August’s bank holiday monday was warming up and so was the crowd. I arrived at the carnival’s centre which was Potternewton park, here acts filled the stage and large crowds relaxed, danced and enjoyed the atmosphere. Soon dancers and portable sound systems began to assembly to process out of the park and people line the route. The costumes were impressive and show the artistry of the community and one is astounded at both the complexity and challenge created to those wearing them! The dancing was mesmeric and addictive and yes as of course soca classics Hot Hot Hot and Follow the Leader boomed out of the trucks leading their dancers on – it could not be carnival without these – as well as blending with modern sounds of Afrobeat and RnB as one sound system departed the sounds being replaced by another.

Follow the leader, leader, leader – who was first?

The first British Caribbean carnival event did appear in London in 1959 and although there was such a presence in the 1966 Notting Hill Street fair but this was combined with with people from all over Europe in their national costumes. Thus the first West Indian carnival parade which was organised by Black Caribbeans comprising of largely Caribbean diaspora with steel bands was actually the idea of Arthur France, from St Kitts-Nevis in 1967. Together with Trinidadian Frankie Davis and Jamaican Tony Lewis, University of Leeds students organised the first carnival at what is now Leeds City College which is claimed was a few years before the first Notting Hill one; although other sources claim that was first held in 1966 although it may well have been a street fair rather than a parade!

Carn for all!

Carnival is important for Britain’s Caribbean community as stated by Arthur France interviewed in 1994 stated:

“Carnival also reminds us of our roots, the struggle our ancestors had to bear, the oppression of our leaders, and great role models, but not in vain, for while we continue to celebrate carnival their achievements will remain with us forever”.

However, Guy Farrar, Tim Smith, Max Farrar in their 2017 Celebrate! 50 Years of Leeds West Indian Carnival state that at first there was opposition from the local Leeds black community as the vast majority thought it was degrading and a low class activity. This is certainly not the view now and fast forward over 50 years the carnival continues to celebrate Caribbean culture but now it is even more inclusive as our community has become more integrated and diverse and everyone is welcome to celebrate the music, dances and above all foods. Notting Hill despite its view of being a gold standard, many eschew it as a result of its crowds and reputation (although you would be hard pressed to find any event with a million of so people and alcohol which would be trouble free I would say!), Leeds is certainly a worthy alternative and of course if you plan it well you could attend both.

Custom contrived: Blessing the Bread at Lammas, Southwark

Ask any tourist to name a London cathedral; I am sure they will name St Pauls and Westminster, but Southwark probably not. This is not really surprising for whilst the later too regal in pomp and regale in their tourist reputation, Southwark still has that feel of a community cathedral, one whose principle role is to serve as thus it is not surprising that it has established a custom which firmly links it to the thriving market that sits at its feet.

The tradition is one established on an older one and incorporated into a central ritual of the church; communion. The older tradition is Lammas. Lammas,  dates from Saxon times, deriving from the old English ‘hlaf masse’ for Loaf mass. It falls on 1 August was established as the thanksgiving for the first products of the wheat harvest. Southwark’s established custom, first begun in 2014, builds upon this celebration of the wheat harvest whilst cementing its ties to a local bakery which lays in its shadow.

Give us our daily bread

The custom begins with with the delivery of the grain which will be used for the bread. The
Dean of Southwark not only blesses this but they will also held mill the wheat to make the flour that will become the Lammas Day bread,  a harvest sheaf, a small loaf and several Cathedral loaves for use in the Lammas-tide ceremony. As he does so he recants:

“Moses said to the people ‘When anyone presents a grain offering to the Lord, the offering shall be of choice flour.’ Leviticus 2.1.

Jesus said ‘The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.’ Mark 4.28″

On the 1st of August or the day nearest too the bakery then prepare for the Dean’s visit to bless the final product. Details of the exact time of the Dean’s arrival were difficult to find so I hung around the area hoping to notice the colourful if rather short procession from the cathedral to the bakery. Sure enough lead by the cross bearer a small party of clergy arrived and entered the bakery where a the loaf awaited them on the table. The dean them blessed the bread and sprinkled holy water around the room stating:

“Let us give thanks for this grain of the new harvest to be milled to make choice flour which will be baked into the Lammas loaf. Lord of the harvest, bless the grain now in our hand bless the miller in their work bless the baker in their task bless the bread that will be baked bless the people to be fed bless the world you love so much and all in the name of Jesus our Lord.
All Amen”

And then asked the manager if there was anything else that needed blessing and he was soon guided around the bakery to bless the bakery, the bakers, all the staff, the millers, the farmers, flour and grain and as much machinery that he laid eyes upon.

 

Best thing since sliced bread

Everything suitably blessed, workers at the bakery took their newly blessed Lammas loaf and an array of other artistically designed breads and joining the Dean processed back to the cathedral where a Lammas day service was to be held. Dutifully the breads were placed upon the altar with the Lammas loaf central to the display with the Dean raising the bread up, in his presentation and saying:

“Brothers and sisters in Christ, the people of God in ancient times presented to the Lord an offering of first-fruits as a sign of their dependence upon God for their daily bread. On this Lammas Day, we bring a newly baked loaf from newly harvested wheat, baked by Bread Ahead in thanksgiving to God for his faithfulness. Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life; those who come to me shall never be hungry and those who believe in me shall never thirst.’ John 6.35

The Lammas loaf is brought to the President, who says:

“Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation; you bring forth bread from the fields and give us the fruits of the earth in their seasons. Accept this loaf, which we bring before you, made from the harvest of your goodness. Let it be for us a sign of your fatherly care. Blessed are you, Lord our God, worthy of our thanksgiving and praise.”

The bread is then broken and later in the service given for the communion. Sadly many churches use the communion wafer as they communion offering and there is something more evocative at seeing a real loaf baked locally used in a way which had been done for centuries. Southwark’s Lammas day blessing is a small custom but one which clearly has long links to the past and firmly embedded within its community and as such hopefully will long continue.

 

Custom survived: Folkestone’s Canada or Flower Day

Canada Day may be a new custom relatively in London, transcribed from the country, but on the south coast in Folkestone, Canada Day has been celebrated since 1917 in a colourful and poignant unique custom at the Shorncliffe Cemetery below the old barracks. The cemetery at Shorncliffe could rank as one of the most picturesque overlooking the bay at Hythe, here 305 Canadians lay far from the native soil.

The custom was established by Edward Palmer, the founder-editor of the Hythe Reporter newspaper, the son of the first headmaster of Hythe’s National School. He thought up the idea in 1916. Canadians at the time were a common sight in the town, being stationed during the First World War and many injured soldiers returned to the camp above the town. At the time the Canadians already held there Canada Day celebration, then called Dominion Day, with a  parade consisting of massed marching bands through union jack and maple lead flagged streets. The event culminated in a military tattoo in Radnor Park. Thus it is worth noting that Canada Day celebrations existed for more than over a 100 years from Edward Palmer’s involvement. Of course, many Canadian soldiers did not recover from the injuries of war and were buried in the Shorncliffe cemetery.

Edward Palmer wrote in the Hythe reporter that he was concerned that the soldier’s families being many thousands of miles away prevented that visiting and attending to the grave and he suggested that a that a day should be established when flowers should be placed on each grave. Stating that ‘who is more fitted to this than the children who wave flags and salute the flag on Empire Day?’

Thus Palmer organise the first event in 1917. In the early evening of the 13^th July, 1500 school children assembled at the cemetery joined by the Band of the Canadian Artillery playing the ‘The Maple Leaf’ and the National Anthem.  There was no religious service but brief speeches given by two serving Canadian officers as well as the Folkestone Mayor Stephen Penfold and the Vicar of Hythe, Reverend H Dale as well as other Canadian soldiers.  After which, the children then solemnly and quietly walked among the graves and left their bouquets and posies on each grave. An account is recorded in Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton Herald June 1917.

“Children Honour Canadians Graves – Tribute to Maple leaf heroes – Pretty Ceremony at Shorncliffe

A very pretty and pleasing ceremony, which it is hoped will be an annual event, was witnessed at the Moore Barracks Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, when some 1500 school children from Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate and Cheriton gathered to do honour to the Canadian soldiers buried there by placing flowers on all he graves. Every juvenile carried a bunch of flowers, manuy of them being of large size and beautifully arranged and the scene was a remarkably pretty one. The Children were arranged in a square, each school being under the care of its own teachers, while in the centre were the speakers, and the band of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, under Lieutenant Dickinson.”

Palmer continued to organise until his death in 1927, thus ensuring it was well established by the start of the Second World War which as often put a momentary pause to the proceedings but was fortunately reinstated in 1952. It has continued since, even in 2020 a service was held albeit without children,  a small number of children attending in 2021 for a socially distanced one.

Over time the custom has changed its name from Flower day to a more obvious Canada Day, but appears to be little known despite its age. The children still attend some walking from their primary schools, others being bused in. They continue to process down the slope. Some holding their flowers which range from large bouquets to small posies. Some holding flags. Much of the ceremony remains as Palmer established, there is still music from an assembled brass band, speeches from the Mayor and Canadian officers, the later recording the significance of the day. Now there is a religious aspect to the ceremony, which adds the necessary solemnity to the event. Many current and old soldiers pay their respects by laying wreaths and attending, often the most elderly watching over from the hillside above. At the end of the ceremony, the children who has sat very patiently and attentively during the 40 minutes or so of the service, knew it was their time. They dutifully stood, and then at the allotted time knelt placing their flowers and then their small wooden cross upon the grave in front, nodding their heads with respect. Their duty undertaken the children were row by row, one by one, dismissed and processed back.

 

 

 

Over time the number of children have dropped and today there is little over a third attending meaning sadly not all graves get flowers, perhaps two graves could be attended by one child if numbers drop to lower numbers. Furthermore, perhaps the custom requires a new name, as the ceremony has now acknowledged the role of the Gurkhas, a number of whom are buried within the cemetery and even today a small population lives in the town. The military band was a Gurkha band in fact.

These points notwithstanding, Folkestone’s celebration of Canada’s contribution continues to be a poignant and picturesque tradition

Custom survived: The Hepworth Feast

Hepworth is one of those large villages that nestle in the valleys between the large conurbations of West Yorkshire. To be honest apart from the views and the pubs little would draw all but the curious casual visitor. However, on the evening of the last Monday of June it comes alive with its annual Hepworth Feast

A moveable feast

The feast is said to commemorate the village’s escape from the 1665 Great plague of Hepworth. Local tradition tells that a cloth was sent from London arrived at the home of a family called the Beevers at Foster Place in the village. Local tradition states that the maid who opened the package was the first victim and to prevent the spread the villagers established at Barracks Fold, a barricade across the lane. However, although thirteen people died, the majority survived as a such when the plague had run its course, a celebration was established.

However, there is some doubt over whether the feast was established then or revived then. The date is significant, being near the 24^th June, St John’s or Midsummer’s Eve, a popular time for such feasting and often thought to have a pagan origin. This was certainly the view of the Rev J. D. M Jones in his 1980 History of Hepwoth. This is a view in the village as well and it is also possible that it was a revived custom after the Commonwealth dissolved and the monarchy restored. Indeed such feasts were common as indicated by this account in the 2^nd July 1934:

“Penistone Feast: Open-Air Festival for Hospitals. The Penistone Feast, a survival of ancient times, and always held during the week-end following 24 June each year, is in full swing. It started on Saturday, and summer-like weather prevailing, a huge crowd assembled in the Recreation Ground, where the pleasure fair, with its many attractions, was crowded until midnight. Yesterday afternoon, the 49th annual open-air musical festival was held in a field adjoining the Feast ground, the proceeds being for the hospitals and kindred institutions.The chorus of 90 members occupied a raised platform and an orchestra of 20 persons were in front. The singing of the special hymns and choruses from the “Messiah” and the “Creation” was creditably done under the conductorship of Mr. A.W. Jagger. The Denby Silver Band, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Kaye, and the Hepworth Iron Works Brass Band, conducted by Mr. Ernest Kaye, each played a selection, and massed for the playing of a march, conducted by Mr. Ernest Kaye.”

One might also add that the nature of the custom a perambulation of the main parts of the town also suggests it could be modified beating of the bounds or rogation custom.

Feast or famine

Thus, indicating that such Feasts at this time were widespread locally but have now died out. Indeed, the Hepworth Feast nearly died out in the 1940s. Julia Smith in her 1986 Fairs, feasts and frolics states that a Mr John Smith said that attendance at meetings had dwindled to only one or two and he had threatened them by saying ‘Are you going to have a feast or not?’ The general consensus being to keep it and a committee was established, John Smith was elected as secretary and his wife did the food. One of the reasons why it may have died out is its association with drunkeness and trouble as emphasised by this case:

“The parties are both young men, and appear to have had a quarrel between them for a long time. On the 30th June, which was Hepworth Feast Monday… Kaye hit Whitehead on the head with both fists as hard as he could. Whitehead held his head down then, and Kaye deliberately kicked him in the eye with his boot. The kick had an upward tendency, and it cut his eyelid severely…”

Now the Hepworth Feast Committee made it more family oriented with the main street having stalls for children races and other entertainments such as Punch and Judy, coconut-shies and magicians acts. An account on the 3th July 1858 in the Huddersfield Chronicle reports a scene not dissimilar to what one sees today:

“Hepworth Feast was celebrated last Monday. The village presented a very animated appearance, as the day was observed as a general holiday. The procession of the children, accompanied by teachers and friends, paraded the district in the afternoon, headed by the ‘Temperance Brass Band A selection of hymns were sung by the children at the several villages they visited. On returning to the school, the usual good things were awaiting them; and the entertainments in the evening were added to by the performance of music by the band.”

Feast for the eyes

Today the band is Hepworth Brass Band has been a part of this since its formation in 1882. The bands long history puts it amongst the oldest brass bands in the country. There is only one other school that at Scholes which is visited. The Feast begins with a procession behind the Hepworth banner from the local primary school uphill, downhill, uphill and around…it’s a cruelling procession perhaps the most arduous I have ever seen a brass band do! At regular spots  en route the procession would stop, the vicar with his portable speaker and microphone would call out a number and hold it up. This would refer to a number of nationally well-known and locally well-known hymns which would be powerfully song at different locations. And despite the long route and nature the singing was impassioned and popular; especially at the pubs where they could rest longer and recharge.

Smith neatly sums up the sentiment and importance of the custom:

“The sound of the approaching band and people gathering outside the Butcher’s Arms heralds the highlight of the feast, the united sing….In his short address the Rev J D. M Jones referred to the feast as an expression of the sense of community in the village. Mr Smith, the feast secretary echoed these sentiments, as he told me how people who left the village returned annually fpr the feast; there were people here today from as far away as Bournemouth.”

The joy of the children who had followed the procession’s long route with little complaint were finally at the end rewarded with their portable feast in a brown paper bag was evident and gladly grabbed hold of it; as was the adults had theirs in the Village Hall. It was clear that the Feast is still a big day in the village and shows little sign of disappearing soon.

Custom revived: The Clopton Rose, Long Melford, Suffolk

As a county Suffolk could be said to lack a wide range of surviving calendar traditions. As a consequence the Clopton Rose ceremony is a delightful revival in the picture perfect village of Long Melford.

The rose ceremony is of course a quit rent and such rose quit rents were relatively common in the mid-medieval period and were due to when they were in flower; given in June often at Midsummer. Indeed in 2003 all three existing rose rents; Knollys, Leicester and this one were in the same week with Leicester and Clopton the same weekend.

A rose by any other name

Local records record that in 1436 William Clopton then the Lord of Toppesfield Manor, granted the town of Hadleigh the guildhall and market land, for the rent of one mark a year. This as at some point and unexplained reason was commuted to a red rose. The Cloptons later moved to the larger and more impressive Kentwell and subsequently were no longer interested in the Hadleigh Toppesfield property selling it in 1470 to the Bendysshe family. This family was related to the Clopton’s by marriage and continued to receive the rose rent as presumably did all owners of the property as they had the same manorial rights.

Ironically then, it would seem that although the Cloptons theoretically parted company over 553 with the property and thus the rent; their name would be remembered. I do suppose they did introduce it and it was their generosity that is being thanked.

Such rose rents signified fidelity, as indeed we give roses today for that reason. As the medieval tradition of serfdom was being dismantled, the landlords required something that suggested the same sort of loyalty and the thus to the rose rent was established. Accepting a rose as a token payment was an acknowledgement of the tenant’s fidelity to his manorial lord.

 A rose again.

Customs and traditions can sometimes surprise you. Often completely dead customs get revived. Even 100s of years after. It is unknown when the last rose rent was played to the Cloptons such rents were formally removed in an 1922 parliamentary act anyhow. However, the Clopton family has a large social organization with many based in the USA and as such a Jean Clopton came across the existence of the rent which had not been paid for many years. Those surprisingly in 1984 with the agreement of the mayorial office of Hadleigh and Long Melford church where the William Clopton memorial is, to revive the giving of the rose and those develop a revised custom around it. Fortunately, she did not ask for the unpaid roses to be given -otherwise the whole church would have been swamped with roses. Indeed in an article in the East Anglian Daily Times by Gemma Jarvis, ‘Famous church upholds historic tradition with red rose ceremony’, the Reverend Matthew Lawson notes:

“Originally Clopton had planned to charge two percent interest on the debt, in which case the village would have owed 1,303,365 roses. But Clopton says ‘for the sake of good international relations, the family will probably decide to cancel the debt, providing that the village pay us another rose for the next 500 years of rental.”

This first giving may have been more informal in an article in the Hadleigh Society Newsletter, June and July 1990 editor notes under the article “ONE RED ROSE” – An explanation by ‘W.A.B. Jones, that:

“The family have, of course, recently visited Hadleigh from the U.S.A. and were duly presented with one red rose, by the deputy Mayor.”

A bed of roses

When I arrived, a small crowd assembled on the green outside to see some re-enactors firing an old cannon. It was a lively start to the day; but unconnected to the actual Clopton rose ceremony.

The ceremony itself is part of the Sunday eucharist and thus had scant mention of the ceremony until the sermon. In 2023, the sermon supported by powerpoint explained the importance of the rose and mentions in the bible. He speaker stated that the only mention of roses in the bible was ‘rose of Sharon’; I did not have the heart to say to him afterwards that that was a hibiscus. Thus, there were no roses mentioned in the bible.

After the sermon the chair of Long Melford councillors Liz Malvisi and the Mayor of Hadleigh, Counsellor Gordon McLeod, supported by the members of the ministry team carrying staves processed into the chapel where William Clopton’s beautiful white marble tomb was found. The Mayor carried a fresh red rose, the older red rose having been removed previously, and those with a quiet hush, the newer one was placed atop William’s hands held in prayer. The Mayor then bowing his head in respect processed back to the main body of the church.

A simple but moving ceremony which reinforces the importance of the Clopton family to the village. The Reverend Matthew Lawson continued in the article that:

“This usually brings up to 80 members of the Clopton family to Long Melford, however it was a privilege to represent them at the Clopton rose ceremony.

I felt it was important to continue this tradition that has its roots as far back as 1436 in the village and with social distancing measures in place we managed to achieve this.

The Clopton rose ceremony maintains links between the people of Hadleigh and Long Melford. And with oursleves and the Clopton family of America whose ancestors helped to build the church. The ceremony also reminds us that acts of generosity can bear good fruit over many centuries.”

In 2023 the congregation was asked if there were any members of the Clopton family present; sadly there was not although since the Covid pandemic the service is livestreamed and so this has meant that many overseas family members could watch via Facebook.

As said simple service but one which underlines the importance of service and public sacrifice, a theme discussed by the mayor.

Custom demised: Newnton’s Trinity Garland procession

John Aubrey, in his 1714 Miscellanies states based on an account of an account (1682) of Newnton in North Wiltshire; where to perpetuate the memory of a donation of a common to that place, by King Athelstan:

 “Upon every Trinity Sunday, the parishioners being come to the door of the hayward’s house, the door was struck thrice in honour of the Holy Trinity; they then entered. The bell was rung; after which, silence being ordered, they read their prayers aforesaid.”

The custom centred on a garland which in 1660 he reports one was killed striving to take away the garland. This flower garland was:

“made upon a hoop, brought forth by a maid of the town upon her neck, and a young man (a bachelor) of another parish first saluted her three times in honour of the Trinity, in respect of God the Father.”

A curious ritual was then observed that describes that:

“Then she puts the garland upon his neck and kisses him three times in honour of the Trinity, particularly God the Son. Then he puts the garland on her neck again, and kisses her three times in honour of the Holy Trinity and particularly the Holy Ghost. Then he takes the garland from her neck, and, by the custom, must give her a penny at least, which, as fancy leads, is now exceeded, as 2s. 6d., &c. The method of giving this garland is from house to house annually, till it comes round.”

Aubrey records the further custom that:

“In the evening, every commoner sends his supper to this house, which is called the Eale-house; and having before laid in there equally a stock of malt, which was brewed in the house, they sup together, and what was left was given to the poor.”

When this custom denied out is unclear but it appears to have been forgotten locally.

Custom contrived: The Battle of Wakefield memorial walk

The 30th of December is an auspicious day in the War of the Roses and an auspicious day for Wakefield so it seems fitting that the city have established a memorial walk which deserves to be better known. I attended the Cathedral bathed in winter sunshine and here was a small band of re-enactors some dressed as a band who appeared to be awaiting others and sure enough some knights appeared carrying standards. A small crowd of onlookers had assembled in the shadow of the cathedral and soon the Bishop of Wakefield arrived and as the great clock struck the group organised themselves for the attending press and then we were off following the sound of a drum band behind some well dressed knights and the Bishop; an odd sight no doubt for Wakefield.

Remember the fallen

This is a relatively new custom that has arisen and been enlarged upon a simpler affair. Ever since 2005, the battle has been commemorated only by an informal wreath laying ceremony and a minutes silence by the statue of Richard of York near Sandal Castle. The original custom appears to have stopped at some point as in 2017, as in 2018 a Dr Keith Souter, chairman of the Friends of Sandal Castle, said:

“It is the first time that there has been a memorial march on the anniversary and it seems a very apt thing to do.“

Thus I believe the memorial walk has been organised by the Friends of Sandal castle, stopping at key points to remember those lost. Accompanied by drumming the group processed down on their route to Sandal Castle. The site of the Bishop, knights and medieval minstrels is always an odd one when it processes down modern street and here more than much with its conglomeration of concrete an outcome of a more recent conflict. Our first point of pilgrimage was the delightful bridge chapel and here we crammed in to witness one of its members laid a wreath of white flowers in memory of Richard of York’s second son, Edmund, who was also slain at Wakefield aged only 17. It was a very poignant wreath laying. Well, I say poignant the first time was but the assembled scrum of professional photographers did not get it the first time and thus asked for rather staged photos! The press person’s desire to get a good shot meaning once the wreath was laid it repeatedly laid to achieve that all in important shot. It rather ruined the moment I felt but had a rather Two Ronnies feel to it. Here we also stopped for a well-received cup of tea and biscuit. Suitably refreshed we made our way.

The next stopping point was a small piece of green, the supposed last piece of a larger area where the battle took place. Here a large memorial could be found and it was clear this time others had left their respects beforehand. Indeed, before the memorial walk, the Richard III society had always marked the day with wreath laying at this moment and indeed there was evidence of their presence. Here we paused and the Bishop paid his respects and off we went to our final destination – Sandal Castle, an imposing ruin on the edge of the city, Here a large crowd had assembled and the procession snaked its way around the mound to reach to the top where the Bishop again led prayers and thoughts for those slain. Afterwards, the knights posed for some very atmospheric photos around the ruins and the re-enactors entertained the crowds. where Bishop Tony said prayers and laid a posy of white roses at the plaque of Edmond, Earl of Rutland. It then continued along Barnsley Road to Manygates to lay a wreath of white roses and say prayers at the site of the memorial to Richard III, Duke of York. It ended at Sandal Castle where the Re-enactors marched up the hill and down again – before the Bishop laid a wreath of red and white roses and led a short service of remembrance, where 557 years ago on this day, the Battle of Wakefield made the history books for its role in the English Civil War.

The Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Revd Tony Robinson had been reported in local press that:

“Battle of Wakefield was a key moment in the War of the Roses and this is an opportunity to commemorate that event but also to think and pray for all those involved in conflict on the world stage today….It is important that we remember the people who lived and died for the causes they believed in. If we can learn from them, then so much the better.”

And one thing equally could be learned by the local tourist board who appeared oblivious to the existence of what was both a moving and evocative event and one which could surely pull in visitors.

Custom contrived: October Plenty

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“October Plenty is such a special way to celebrate the Autumn Harvest and show off the beautiful colours of the season’s fruit & veg piled high on our traders’ stalls. We are really looking forward to welcoming the event back to the Market this year and sharing festivities, stories and dancing for a lovely family event. The Corn Queene and Berry Man are always particular favourites of ours and we are excited to host visitors as well as the many different characters in the procession!”

Kate Howell, Director of Communications and Engagement at Borough Market

The autumn period is packed with curious customs and celebrations associated with the changing seasons; from harvest festivals to Hallowe’en, from Diwali to Bonfire Night. In recent years, a celebration of that quintessential season fruit; the apple has attracted its day. Attempting to join many ideas together in one place; as a sort of smorgasbord of autumn, is the Lion’s Part’s October Plenty, which is undertaken in London’s Southwark. Indeed, as the organiser’s website records:

“Over 20 years ago, fired with enthusiasm for amazing autumn festivies that people celebrated world wide and influenced by the organisation Common Ground, whose creation of Apple Day has inspired so many, I gathered with local friends and members of the Lions part and we launched October Plenty. At the heart of it was the iconic Corn Queene. Since then, in collaboration with Roots and Shoots, Lambeth, through David Perkins and Sarah Wilson, she has become an annual wonder.”

A bit corny!

The most remarkable feature is the Corn Queene whose appearance at the front of the Globe marks the beginning and is central to the procession. The website for the event records how this Corn Queene has been made since 2004 and that:

“she has emerged each year at Roots and Shoots in Lambeth and, like another mythical old bird, she takes form, rises, briefly reigns, before dissipating in a great shout…..Her demeanour can seem bemused, condescending, even dismissive, of the antics of much smaller humans.”

What is interesting about this Corn Queene is that although clearly a modern invention it has the feel of something more ancient and authenticate. She plays a central role in the October Plenty festival and her annual reincarnation is a central point and theme to this custom. Each year although she follows a similar design, she is also different; she metamorphosizes and since 2003 she parades on an old market barrow. She is described as:

“The Queene’s facial features are very colourful, often with an interesting complexion and skin texture. Her nose generally resembles a small gourd (regrettably warty at times) and she almost always has decidedly hot lips. Lashes can be long, perhaps enhanced with extensions (wire, right). Beauty spots have appeared now and then and she has favoured ear decorations on a number of occasions (small gourds or radish, maybe).”

Originally it was made by the actors on the day then as the event became more successful and merged with the markets own Apple Day since 2012 it had allowed the Queene to take place under cover in a then newly refurbished area of the Market; taking around 3 or 4 days to build her. 

The procession has also changed and since 2019, the Queene now emerges from Lambeth, passes the Tibetan Peace Garden/Imperial War Museum via Lambeth Walk.

On my visit this Corn Queene was indeed a very odd, comical but still rather eerie ‘creature’ looming over the crowd that had assembled for the start of the procession. Joining her was the equally odd Berry Man..now we had seen him before at the beginning of the year as the Green man of course and this autumnal version adorned with shades of brown and orange and suitably seasonal fruits and berries was perhaps even more impressive. It certainly turned a few heads as he, the Corn Queene and the Mayor headed a procession of players down the streets on the southbank and into the market. 

Here one could sample that wonderful autumnal produce, and the assembled crowd certainly took advantage of that opportunity as the market was bustling. Soon as a large enough audience had developed the actors presented them with Tudor dancing and a Georgian play which was the correct mix of bawdy and bizarre. Once the play had been presented the procession reformed and made its way to the George Inn, a delightful galleried inn which has survived considerable progress around. Here there was conker competitions, apple bobbing, a wishing tree….and that traditional staple of a countryside custom – Morris dancers.

October Plenty is certainly a fun and colourful custom; completely made up with a feel of authenticity, a modern take on the Harvest home perhaps, and one might add playing a vital role in our modern life. Especially in the city. For in our modern city lives it’s important to understand the countryside and how we are very dependent on it. October Plenty provides a historical nod to how this was done in the past in a very modern spin. When seasonality often lost in the 21st century, when everything is available irrespective of the time of year, October plenty allows the city folk to reconnect in a fun way, with the season and the wonderful colours and bounty that autumn provides.