Abbots Bromley Horn Dance

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Date:1899 - 1900 (c.)

Description:The horn dance is an annual event which takes place on the first Monday after the first Sunday after the 4th of September. The tradition is believed to date back to 1226 when it was part of a three day event celebrating St. Bartholomew's Day (24th August), although the earliest documentary evidence dates from the mid-18th century.

There are usually 11 performers. Six dancers dressed in green jackets, breeches and green stockings, three wearing white painted reindeer horns, the other three, black horns. In addition there are the Fool, the Hobby-horse, Maid Marion, a cross-bow bearer (often a small boy), and a melodeon player.

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Donor ref:D5748/6/2 (201/40091)

Source: Staffordshire County Record Office

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