Here is a traditional maypole. The origins of this festival are unclear. It is thought that it dates back to Roman times and danced as a tribute to Flora, the Roman goddess of spring. It must have spread through Europe with the Roman advancement. It is known that it was celebrated extensively by the Teutonic races during spring. The Saxons were of of course from these areas which would explain the tradition being introduced to England. The Romans had a presence in this country for 400 years, so it is possible that Mayday festival may not be totally attributable to the Saxons.

 

 

Even the youngest maidens take part.

 

 

The traditional stocks. The use of this device is well known historically but is used to better effect nowadays by bolting your father in one and pelting him with flower or water bombs - As a money making exercise for charity of course.

 

 

Medieval entertainment. Fire eaters.

 

 

This is a view from Battle Abbey main entrance down the main road. The car park in the foreground is known as the village green. As you can probably see, there is not much grass in evidence. There are plans afoot to turn this area back to its original condition but is being resisted by the local traders as bad for business. It is the focus of village life as you can observe by this photograph of the medieval craft fayre. On November the 5th for example, the area was used until the last couple of years, along with the abbey to stage the Bonfire Boyes celebration. This ritual, carried out up and down the country to commemorate the foiling of the plot by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 - along with King James I.