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An old English custom takes place: In the little fishing village of Whitby Yorks
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An old English custom takes place: In the little fishing village of Whitby Yorks
An old English custom takes place: In the little fishing village of Whitby Yorks, every May, an ancient ceremony, the planting of the " penny hedge" takes place. The story goes that some young knights, while out hunting near the Abbey, pursued a wild bear into the chapel. A hermit monk tried to shield the animal, but the knights slaughtered the monk as well as the boar. A penance was imposed upon them and their heirs. They had to build a hedge of wicker at a spot called Abrahams Bosum, on the bank of the River Esk, which had to be strong enough to withstand three tides and which must only cost one penny. If they failed in this task, the Lords of the Manor were to lose " an acre of their land". May 1948 P005020
WATFORD
Mirrorpix
Media ID 21331083
© Mirrorpix
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An Ancient Tradition Unveiled: The Penny Hedge Planting Ceremony in Whitby, Yorks". Step back in time to the quaint fishing village of Whitby, where a remarkable and age-old custom unfolds every May. This print captures the essence of an extraordinary event known as the "Penny Hedge" ceremony. Legend has it that centuries ago, young knights on a hunting expedition chased a wild bear into the sacred grounds of the Abbey. In their pursuit, they inadvertently took the life of a hermit monk who valiantly tried to protect both man and beast. As penance for this tragic incident, these knights and their descendants were tasked with constructing a sturdy wicker hedge at Abrahams Bosum by River Esk. The challenge was twofold - not only did this hedge need to withstand three tides but it also had to be built using materials costing no more than one penny. Failure meant forfeiting an entire acre of land owned by the Lords of the Manor. Year after year, villagers gather eagerly to witness this unique spectacle unfold before their eyes. Laughter fills the air as locals come together with humor and camaraderie to construct this symbolic barrier against nature's forces. This intriguing photograph from May 1948 showcases crowds engrossed in fulfilling their ancestral duty while upholding cherished traditions. It serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst modernity's rapid march forward, some customs remain steadfastly rooted in history – reminding us all of our shared heritage.
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