I live in an old town called Abingdon, arguably the oldest continuously inhabited town in the UK. It has many old and somewhat strange traditions, which is something I absolutely love! One of these is taking place today: Bun Throwing. This dates back to the 1700s, but the reasons for doing it have been lost in the annuls of time. What happens is this: the town councillors go up onto the roof of the old town hall (now the museum), and they throw buns down to the general populace in the market square. Why? No-one knows! Bun throwings happen on extra special high days and holidays - the last one was for the Queen's Jubilee, and this one is to celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday and the 450th anniversary of the signing of the Town Charter.
In days gone by before the Morland Brewery was bought out and closed down, they sponsored the bun throwings. There were a few extra special buns with an "M" baked on to the top, and if you were lucky enough to catch one of these, the brewery gave you a barrel of beer. How fab is that? Unfortunately the brewery is now a bunch of expensive flats and apartments, so this no longer happens.
Another great tradition takes place next weekend. Abingdon is right in the middle of Morris Dancing country (another tradition that no-one really knows the origin of!), and they have a lovely tradition all of their own. You see, the town has two Mayors: a town Mayor, who is the longest serving town councillor in turn, and the Mayor of Ock Street. Ock Street is the main road leading into town from the West, and anyone who lives there gets to vote for the Mayor of Ock Street each year. The newly elected Mayor is welcomed with the Squires Dance before being carried along Ock Street, visiting the pubs in turn. These days there are only a handful of pubs left (more flats and apartments), but I can only imagine the condition of the folk dancers back in the old days of Ock Street pub glory, when there were a total of 27 pubs! Pictures of last years event can be found here.
I love old traditions!
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