MORRIS DANCING – AT THE SHIP & ANCHOR
Come and watch traditional English folk dancing dating from the 1400’s.
The Ship & Anchor, itself dating from 1664 has been hosting groups of Morris Dancers as long as Morris Dancing in England has been a “thing.”
Morris Dancers have been around throughout our pub’s 361 year history and were already an ancient custom according to William Shakespear (1564–1616) in some of his greatest plays: “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Henry V” and “A Winter’s Tale.”
An earlier reference was by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in London which paid for a “Morys dance” in 1448 and in 1458 Morris dancers were mentioned in May Day celebrations and pageantry in most English villages and towns.
Tudor and Elizabethan Popularity
- Henry VII (1485–1509) and Henry VIII (1509–1547) both supported court morris dancers.
- In Elizabethan times, morris dancers often accompanied Robin Hood plays, Maypole dancing, and rural seasonal processions.
Characters and Traditions
Morris dances often include:
- The Fool or Jester
- The Hobby Horse
- Maid Marian (sometimes played by a man in drag)
- Robin Hood figures
Morris dancing gives a fascinating insight into English history and culture both of which we fully support.
Please come and support the next group of Morris Dancers (see our facebook page for next date) and the Ship & Anchor.
Book a meal beforehand to secure your table inside and may your maypole always stand tall!
PB
31/7/2025
