Ashbourne Shrovetide Football
From the collection of
MACE is the strategic lead organisation for screen heritage for the East and West Midlands regions. An independent charity based at University of Lincoln, MACE preserves and makes accessible a collection of more than 100,000 historic moving images representative of the diverse cultures and histories of communities throughout the heart of England from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border.
Ashbourne Shrovetide Football
With goals three miles apart, expect plenty of midfield action in this unusual football match, where the FA's rules have been thrown into the nearest river.
At Ashbourne in Derbyshire each Shrovetide the town is split in two and those who are brave enough do battle through the streets in a ball game seen as an antecedent of the modern sport of football. The exact origins are lost in antiquity, with some claims even being made for the first match being a battle to the death between a Roman army and a group of plucky ancient Britons.It may look like a violent free-for-all but, as Phil Wardman finds out from local goal-scoring legend Don Lowndes, it used to be even worse as he reminisces about the days when the hobnail boot was the footwear of choice.
The annual Shrovetide football match on the streets of Ashbourne in Derbyshire.
From the collection
Custom Made: Festivals and Traditions in the Midlands
A tour of the Midlands through its annual customs.
Back in the 6th Century, the Midlands of England were known as The Kingdom of Mercia – ‘Mercia’ being an Old English (or Anglo-Saxon) word for ‘Border Folk’. The long, long history of this region has brought with it a wealth of annual customs and traditions that are enthusiastically anticipated and celebrated by its people. Their origins may be subject to academic debate and general speculation, but they survive year on year – strengthening a community's sense of identity, helping people define who they are.
In these films you will see Midlanders in an eclectic variety of settings - gathering together to worship, feast, and dance; play games, race ponies, and stroll through markets.
So, whether it’s a Hindu Festival or Sikh celebration, a flower parade or Goose Fair, come, be a tourist and explore the sheer diversity of the border folk of the Midlands.
10 videos in this collection
1
Caribbean Carnival in Leicester
5
Ashbourne Shrovetide Football
7
Navaratri Festival in Leicester
9
Traditional Village Games
10
Hare Krishna Parade in Handsworth
View full collection