LICHFIELD MORRIS
The
present Lichfield Morris was formed in 1979 to perform the traditional
dances of Lichfield in the City and surrounding district.
The
Lichfield tradition is unique and although it bears some resemblance to
Cotswold and North West Morris, it has many steps and figures found in no other
tradition. There are nine traditional dances including seven dances for
eight men, one for three men and one for one man. They all have names
associated with the City of Lichfield.
The
Eight Men Dances
The
Vandalls of Hammerwich - This probably refers to an incident which is reported
to have taken place in 1262 in which " a certain heath was burned by the
villeins of Hammerwich to the injury of the King's game." The town of
Burntwood is supposed to have grown up on the site.
The
Sheriffs Ride - This takes its name from the event which takes place on the
Saturday nearest to the 8th September, when the Sheriff and Dignitaries of
Lichfield ride the Boundaries of the City.
The
Barefooted Quaker - This refers to George Fox, founder of the Quaker
movement who, in 1651, upon his release from Derby Gaol, was "commanded by
the Lord of a sudden to untie my shoes and put them off ... so I went down the
streets crying with a loud voice ' woe unto the bloody City of Lichfield '
". Huh!!
Milley's
Bequest - This refers to a bequest made in the fifteenth century by
Cannon Thomas Milley for the benefit of fifteen worthy old women of Lichfield
(eight of whom can be seen dancing in the current side! )
Ring
O Bells - This dance is sadly named after one of the two public houses
of that name which used to exist in the City.
Castle
Ring - This is named after the pre-Roman encampment on Cannock Chase
where morris dancing is said to have taken place in the Good Friday Games.
Nuts
in May - The seventh dance takes its name from the "knots"
of flowers traditionally carried at Whitsun.
We
also perform several dances composed in the style of Lichfield traditional
dances such as The Old 38th a dance named after the Staffordshire regiment
raised at the King's Head in the City, and Lichfield Tattoo,
named after another former annual event.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
If
you would like further information about any of these events, or about
Lichfield Morris Men, please speak to one of the side, or telephone Pete Wallis
on 01543 491139 or e-mail pwallis@ntlworld.com
Lichfield
Morris Men practice during the winter on Thursday nights at The Rainbow Nursery
in Armitage. If you wish to try your hand ( or feet ) at Morris dancing, you
will be made very welcome.