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MAY DAY REVELS WERE | GUN WARNING COLOURFUL PART OF COUNTRYSIDE LIFE
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gHOCK fo r a Rib b lc Valley fa rm e r on h is way borne was ll,c a *‘zebra” b o u n d in g towards h im in th e m o o n lig h t across on
o f b is fields.
As he had been visiting Clitheroc and had consumed, at least, a few dnnKs, ne ^ fervently to give up drinking—we are informed on the best authority—or at least to c ang
. worc
to another brew of beer. Subsequent investigations revealed that the “zebra” was his pet pony which had been painted black and white, presumably
by local youths as part of a May prank. This isolated incident of life today graphically spotlights
the disappearance of many of our old customs and traditions Which made country life so colourful in. the past, but which largely disappeared because of increasing firm action by the
representatives of law and order. In these modem days of
quick-moving transport, many of the old customs would be strangely out of joint and indeed have b e e n largely forgotten.
It is interesting in the cir
cumstances, therefore, to re call some of the customs which characterised not only all parts of the Ribble Valley, but most country districts in the north of England, in the misty days of former centuries.
“ MAYING-IN ”
were generally busy on April 30 “Mischief Night,” or “Maymg- in ” as it was then called. I t was the custom for the
The young men of the district
young men to remove gates from their posts, take carts from farm yards and upset them into ditches or into the road, to open stable doors and let horses out and generally do as much mis
chief as possible. These practices were later
night,”
old coaching days,” Mr. Stephen Clarke tells the following story of “Mischief Night,” which was related to him by an old resi
In his book " Clitheroe in the . .
dent It seems that in the early hours
of the morning some lads in Russell Street took down the swinging sign of the “ Craven Heifer” and by ropes, fastened to the chimneys on either side, swung it across the middle of the road where it hung, hindering vehicles including the early coach to Manchester which us-
transferred to November fourth, the night preceding “ bonfire
ually passed along Russell Street at 6 a.m.
Night ” pranks was kept up with wonderful zest in Grindleton and the surrounding villages and before daybreak on May Day the young men of Grindleton would gather all the wheelbar rows, carts, shandrays, gates and any other available objects and bring them down into the vil lage, travelling miles for the pur pose. On one occasion they went to
T h e custom of “Mischief
army that it was not P°“ j“ c tc> keep it up with proper spun.
by Mr. Littledale, also contauw reference to the strange customs
The Ballad of Fudsay’s i » of May.
“Then upon A night.
Saint iValpm's
ll gates and carls we carry an a Or ever the cock crow brings me
T o SBolton Cross on the first °l May.
The time when sin and shame a A licend hope to be saved as Christian sprites
...
And happy jor ever with you 10 be.
. , In his notes on the ballad Mr
Ducky Leach Farm for a cart during a heavy thunderstorm. When they were some distance away the farmer followed them with a gun and fired, but fort unately no-one was hurt and the cart was born in triumph down the village street. Carts have been known to be
Littledale writes. “ I t is still the custom to bring
all the gates and carts that can be obtained on the night ot April 30 to Bolton Cross, where
placed three-deep down the street and gardens and yards filled with gates, wheelbarrows, ploughs, harrows, ladders, tools and all sorts of loose material. Sometime carts were chained
to doors or gates or fastened to gether and one group even sus pended a number of articles of this kind which they had collect ed and suspended them from a rope over the street.
BEGAN TO DECLINE
night,” and at Wigglesworth “ the rush-bearing.”
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G. H. Brown, in “ On foot round Settle ” says that each village had Its “Mischief Night.” At Langcliffe it was “ flitting
the regime of the old parish con stable, but began to decline, after the stationing in the village in 1857 of an' officer of the West Riding Poljce Force, so that pranks dwindled to the removal of a gate from its post and simi lar harmless incidents. Writing from Settle, the Rev.
The custom flourished under
work of Lob and Michel (local sprites), who now, however, fortunately confine their labours to erecting the pile, without set ting fire to it. These Walpurgis. night fires were to commemorate those kindled on the walls of Asgard by the Aesir, or Scan dinavian, gods to drive away the principles of evil. Miss Isabel Preston, who died
they are piled up in a ItcaP as for a bonfire. “ I t is locally stated to be the
in Clitheroe in 1898. remembered lifting being practised at tow Moor, where she was brought up, and a t Downham, where she later resided. This took place at "pace-egg
Thus still we hail, tho’ by Pagan rites,
HAVING seen various cowboy films and perhaps fancying his chances of at least halving the local rat population, '■file Johnny may be pestering for an air gun.
t
Proud parents could well be considering whether or not to buy him one for his birthday. But parents be warned!
‘
WHERE THE
DEVIL STOOD
of the hill on the Nick o’ Fendle are generally content to enjoy the view or stroll across the hill for a while before enjoying a meal or setting off again. Even on a dull or rainy day—
THE number of people who park their cars on the top
on Sunday for example—you will still find several cars clustered together on the wide spaces at either side of the road.
. They would probably shudder if they realised they were near the spot where there were such evil happenings connected with the Lancashire witches so many centuries ago and that they are only' a few yards from the spot where the Devil himself once stood.
Lancashire witches but the story of the Devil's evil designs on Clitheroe Castle is not so well- known. On the sloping side of Pendle
Most people know all about the You might think that little
Johnny is quite safe to be let out on his own with an air gun. But have you considered how he may easily be brought before a Juvenile Panel for overlooking some small but important detail in connec
people are constantly being brought before Panels for offences of this nature and Clltheroe has had its share. Regulations governing the
tion with the gun. All over the country young
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o v o r in t j w c e k t D e p o s i t fcfi-15-G
C o s h p r ic e c u ~ - i i i - o
The Ciilhcroc Advertiser & Times, May 8, 1964 9
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use of air guns are specifically laid down in an Act of Parlia ment—the Air Guns and Shot
of little points that can be dis regarded without much trouble apart from the legal consequen-
Guns, etc., Act, 1962. The Act may seem to be full
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°ein the interests of safety, as well as satisfying the require ments of law, however, these little points must be adhered to as the air gun is without ques tion a weapon that could be dangerous—capable of seriously injuring or maiming little Johnny or some innocent pas
age of fourteen when you give him the air gun and he accepts it as a gift both of you may be prosecuted under the Act. Unless he is accompanied by someone over the age of 21 he
ser-by. If little Johnny is under the
ing time ” on a week night and on “ lifting neet ” the young men used to sieze the girls and lift them up and if they attempted to run away they were pursued and caught.
ANCIENT ORIGIN
The parish constable was care ful to keep himself out of the
way while carts were plaoed in the Terns stream at Giggleswick, wheels from the cart hidden in trees, a wheelbarrow pushed under Beggar’s Wife Bridge, near the road from Settle to Giggles wick station, or a milking stool put astride someone's chimney stack.
to carry or “ f lit” everything movable to “ The Tree a large tree with a seat under it close to the village green. However. " May-In ” was kept
At Langcliffc the custom was
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origin of the May-Day Festival of rural England. I t is a relic of the Maiama, a festival in honour of Mala, the mother of Mercury. The doors of the houses were adorned with branches laden with fruit and flowers; but not content with this, many of the Roman Gallants had entire trees brought from nearby forests, and set up in front of the housi their mistresses. To put a stop to such whole- sale ' destruction of fine trees
Not many people know the ■
near Cragg's Farm, Sabden, is a mass of sandstone rocks which have fallen down from the scar above and on one of these are two marks, side by side, and measuring about two feet long and six inches wide. These are said to be the gigan
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may not take out the weapon or ammunition nor can you lend a weapon to him while he is under the age of 14. Until he is 17. he must not
take the gun into any public place unless it is covered with a securely fastened gun cover so that it cannot be fired. These last two specifications
tic footprints of the Devil, but he must have crossed his legs or have very peculiar feet for the left footprint is on the right side. The outline of one foot is perfect, but the other is ill-form ed. though this Is easily explain ed since it is well-known that the Devil has a club foot.
The legend is that one day the
Devil was coming with an apron ful or stones so that he could knock down Clitheroe Castle. He stepped from Hambledon Hill to Craggs, leaving the footprints.
sgwLfrrtie'stones fell to the ground, and '
are s ill Hotel.
it was ordered that a tall shaft or pole ornamented with gar lands should suffice. Here we have the true origin of the May- pole. In the North of England May
up at Bolton-by-Bowland in the 18D0's and the activities were reported in th e “Clitheroe Times.” The isue for May 9. 1891 car
». «•“ I his " brat string ” broke, and all -t.iii known as
and threw it at the castle but ns he was in the act of throwing
Then he took one of the stones the “ Devil's
apronful." They lie on the crest of the
Day used to be called Bcltinc Day, although the ancient ob servance on the evening of this day has long since died out. This was one of the days when
ried the following report. “ May-In or “ Mischief Night ”
throw, and which fell short, landed above Pendleton and marks on it are said to he prints of the Devil's fingers
The stone which the Devil did ..
was celebrated at Bolton-by- Bowland as usual, and probably not another village for miles round carries it out with such spirit. “ On the mom of May 1 a non
we might suggest, of the descent of the Holy Ghost on the heads of the apostles.
resident would have been struck with the display on the village green of a dozen or more carts and an interesting variety of g a t e s , barrows, and wheel barrows.
FARMER WAITED
ance living on the outskirts of the village had made up his mind that he would not have his carts and tools taken from the premises. I t was not the first time .he had come to this con clusion, but in previous years locks, bolts and bars had proved no barrier to the youths bent on carrying out the old customs. “ This year, however, the wor
“A farmer of no mean import
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used to be practised in. Lanca shire at the Whitsuntide Fair. There is a trace in this custom
tho Druids lit bonfires on the hill tops in honour of the sun. One rather amusing custom
One person would hold a stick
over the head of another, whilst a third, unnoticed would strike the stick, and the unfortunate victim would receive a smart blow on the head.
practise that the yokels on Easter Monday used to enjoy. On Monday, the men would in
“ Lifting ” was a rather vulgar
high spirits grab the women and lift them right up onto their
HONOUR
FOR YOUNG FARMERS
OIX members of Ctitheroe LJ Y.F.C. were members of the Lancashire team which was placed second in the Northern Area competitions held at Bishop Burton, near Beverley, Yorkshire, on Saturday.
shire West Riding who scored 853 points, beating Lancashire
shoulders. Nor did the custom end here.
Tile winning team was York
by 2j points. The Clitheroe members were;
The fair sex would on the follow ing day do the same things to
their men friends. Of course not all vyenches were
thy farmer not only locked and barred his barns and gates but determined to keep watch and ward over his property. Provid ing himself with a bucket of cold water, he posted himself on a hay mow in one of the barns and waited patiently the arrival of the midnight crusaders.
“ In due time they turned up,
but' the locks and bars had to give way as aforetime. Just however, as they were about to move the cart out of the barn the heroes of the night received a cold shower bath, which so cooled their courage that the cart
was left behind.” The following year “Mischief
was again reported. "The youths of the village
Night ” a t Bolton-by-Bowland
carried on their pranks as usual during the course of Saturday night and Sunday morning last. There was the usual collection of carts on the village green etc., observable a t day-break, and the old cross in the centre of the village was decorated with all kinds of barrels, troughs and articles of every conceivable des cription'that it was possible to
lay hands upon.” The traditions of “ Mischief
Night” were observed a t Down- ham after they had died out at Bolton-by-Bowland. Unless people in Downham
strong enough to raise the hefty men over their heads, but an even more amusing retaliation would take place when three or four women would seize a hand or foot of the unfortunate victim, and he would be hoisted that
way! The original purpose of the
May Day celebrations is with out doubt to welcome the return of spring.
some neighbouring wo o d to gather green branches and wild flowers from which they made garlands to carry in the proces sions next day.
more youthful section of the villagers, of both sexes would on the eve of May Day gather in
In the North of England the ,,
Dairy cattle judging. David Kay •first); carcass judging, John Thornber (third); poultry carv ing. Barbara Wallbank and Richard Wade (fifth); public speaking vote of thanks, Brian Clark (fifth); tug o’ war, David Copeland (team won).
Eight northern area counties
took part. Downham Hall was the venue
for the Clitheroe club’s stock judging competitions last week, when about 30 members judged two rings of Ayrshire cows. ' The master judge was Mr. A. Hudson, of' Gisburn, and results were:— ’•Milk cows: 1, David Kay; 2, Brian Clark; 3, Jack Turner. Dry cows: 1, Denis Gill: ”,
Garnett Whitewell; 3, Alan Coates, Andrew Wallbank, and
Robert Atkinson. and Denis Gill. This is your town
made sure that carts, wheel barrows, tools and other loose articles were securely locked away at night they were gener ally missing the next morning. Wh en opportunity offered,
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carts were taken and overturned in the brook, or hidden so that the owners were put to much trouble and loss of time in searching for them. The first world war, among
other things, sadly interfered with the old custom in Downham for so many, men joined the
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Thanks to Lord Clitheroe and , I
hill above Ashen Dean Clougli not far from the Wellsprings
D E V O N S HIRE. BY NORVIC
do not apply, however, if he is a member of a club approved by the Secretary of State, and is taking part in target practice nor if he is using the weapon or ammunition at a shooting gal lery where the only firearms used are air weapons or mini ature files not exceeding .23
calibre. If your offspring or yourself
three months or a fine of £20, or both, is the maximum laid down
be quite severe. A term of imprisonment for
by the law. The court by whom any
offender is convicted may order the confiscation of the weapon or ammunition in respect of
ted.So you see, that buying an air gun you can let yourself in for a bit of trouble unless you make sure that it is to be well
and legally used. If Johnny complies with these
doesn't, look out! SOLD
* Not very long ago. All sorts of goods were on dis-
VISITED an auction sale,
The* bidding far from slow, •• it's strange,” I whispered to
“The objects people buy. The.v bid for most outrageous
m.v friend. And prices go sky high . things, , . . ,
I wouldn’t own at any price, The rubbish here today. I ’ve had far better stuff at home
And given it away ! Just see that monstrous vase up
I t’s hideous I think, A ghastly shape, quite bilious
there, Those spots of green and pink
I wouldn't have it in the house For all of Russia’s might, With that thing in my bedroom I ’d have nightmares
I was getting quite e“ ' ^ ’ My point I tried to stiess, I nodded, and I waved
M hands, y neighbour to impress. The auctioneer went rattling on,
“ This vase I ’m proud to sell. To the gentleman who nodded,
Mv good friend Jimmy Fell . His hammer he brought crashing
“That’s thirty bob to pay I grabbed my loathsome burden,
Crept silently away, I felt just like a burst balloon, Deflated, feeble, old, For like that pot monstiosity .
I ’d been well and tru] ^ s°pdE'u evry my
regulations, he can pot rats to his heart’s content, provided he has permission to shoot from the owner of the land. If he
is unfortunate enough to be found breaking any of these regulations the penalties can
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