Special occasions in the forest (General)

by MPGriffiths , Tuesday, October 09, 2018, 15:59 (2243 days ago) @ Bridewell

This is part of a letter my x Great Uncle Rev W S WICKENDEN (born Awre) - from the Gentleman's Magazine Vol 92, Part 2, July 1822

Mr Urban

Blakeney ....

On a small green near the abovementioned village, a large party of rustics were engaged in their Whitsuntide amusement of Morris dancing, and the appearance of the dancers covered with ribbons gliding at intervals through the vistas formed by the fruit trees, had a very pleasing effect....

....

They literally cover their bodies and hats with ribbons of all colours, and, preceded by two persons bearing a flag and two rusty swords, a Tom Fool (as they call him), and a Maid Marian, they cut the most ridiculours capers and contortions, and actually fulful these lines of Goldsmith.

"The dancing pair that simply sought renown, By holding out, to tire each other down."

(also talks about Christmas) - will add...

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William WICKENDEN christened Awre 26 (or 6th) April 1796, parents: John and Ann nee (STEPHENS)

(assume he added S - for STEPHENS)