The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is an English folk dance which, based on carbon analysis of antlers used in the dance, may have been performed since before the 11th century. The dance continues to take place annually on Wakes Monday. After collecting the horns from the church, the Horn Dancers - a group consisting of six Deer-men, a 'Fool', a Hobby Horse, a Bowman, and a Maid Marian - perform a dance to music at locations in and around the village of Abbots Bromley. The horns are then returned to the church in the evening.
The ‘Fool’ is a character in Morris dancing and other English folk dances. Typically, the ‘Fool’ is depicted as a jester. Historically, jesters were performers who provided entertainment in royal and noble households. In Morris dancing, the ‘Fool’ communicates with the audience during performances using speech or mime, and sometimes provides amusement and comedy while trying to distract or encourage the other dancers. The ‘Fool’ often dresses in strange or comedic costume and holds a stick with a carved head or inflated bladder (or modern equivalent, such as a balloon) at the end.
References: English Folk Dance and Song Society, “Beginners’ Guides: English Folk Costume”, English Folk Dance and Song Society website, accessed 16/07/2025.
Oxford English Dictionary, “fool”, Oxford English Dictionary website, accessed 16/07/2025.
The Morris Ring, “Fools and Beasts”, The Morris Ring website, accessed 16/07/2025.
Wikipedia, “Jester”, Wikipedia website, accessed 16/07/2025.
Wikipedia, “Morris dance”, Wikipedia website, accessed 16/07/2025.
This is part of the Series: LTC01/01 Lady Trenchard Cox: Series Of Negatives; within the Collection: LTC01 Lady Trenchard Cox Collection
© Historic England Archive
Photographer: Cox, Mary Desiree
Medieval Parish Church, Post Medieval Parish Church, Custom And Tradition