This image can be used commercially
St Edmunds Church after garlanding, Castleton, Hope Valley, 1973
Image ref
DCHQ008507
Credit
D D Brumhead
photographer
Brumhead, D D
ImageDate
5 June 1973
Location
Town
Castleton
About this image
Information from www.derbyshireguide.co.uk: On Oak Apple Day 29th May the ancient ceremony of Garlanding takes place and after the Garland has been paraded though the streets, it is hoisted to the top of Saint Edmund's Church tower. The ceremony celebrates the pagan rite for the ending of winter, and the restoration of Charles II to the throne in 1660 after the rule by Oliver and Richard Cromwell (1653-58 and 1658-59). The one metre (3 foot) high Garland is made from a wooden frame, wound with string to which small bunches of wild flowers and leaves are tied. A further small wreath, called the `Queen` is made from choice garden flowers and is place on top. The complete Garland weighs about 25Kgs (56 pounds) and just before the start of the ceremony is lifted onto the shoulders of the `King` who is dressed in Stuart costume. After touring the village on horseback accompanied by his consort, a procession and a band, the King is relieved of his Garland which is then hoisted up to the top of the tower of St Edmunds Church, where it is left to wither. The Queens wreath is placed round the war memorial and in the market place there is Morris dancing and singing. Castleton village museum contains a display of Garland memorabilia which includes an outfit worn by a King 200 years ago. If Oak Apple Day falls on a Sunday, the ceremony is held on the Saturday (28th May).
Help us to improve our records
If you can improve our knowledge about this image we’d be happy to hear from you. Please contact us here