Abbot's Bromley: The Horn Dancers. Photographed by William Blake.

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Date:1930 - 1939 (c.)

Description:Photograph of a book illustration containing a village scene and a group of horn dancers.

Horn dancing is an annual tradition, which is believed to have originated in 1226 at the Barthelmy Fair at Abbot's Bromley, Staffordshire. It is still celebrated to this day.

The exact nature of the celebration is not known but it is almost certainly a fertility ritual of some kind.

Publication details for the book are unknown.

Related themes:

Village Views Prominent Individuals People Fairs, Carnivals, Parades & Processions Costume for Special Occasions Costume & Textiles Celebrations, Events & Disasters

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BBC Stoke and Staffordshire: Abbot's Bromley Horn Dance.* Staffordshire Past-Track: Abbot's Bromley Horn Dance.*

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Creators: Mr William Blake - Creator

Donor ref:(40/12545)

Source: The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

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