Tutbury hunters' procession

Tutbury hunters' procession, Middle Ages (Aug 15 - 16)

In old England, on the Feast of the Assumption, the wood-master and rangers of Needwood forest started the festivities by meeting at Berkley Lodge, in the forest, to arrange for the dinner that was given to them on this day at Tutbury Castle. The buck they were allowed for the feast was killed, as another that was their annual present to the prior of Tutbury.

They would ride into town in procession, each carrying a green bough, and one bearing the buck's head, with a piece of fat fastened to each antler. The town’s minstrels accompanied them. When they reached the centre of town the hunters blew their horns, then all went to the church and each paid a penny offering. Mass was celebrated, then a grand dinner prepared for them in the castle. The prior gave them 30 shillings towards the feast, and the following day there were further festivities ...

Categories: calendar-customs, england, uk