This film is part of Free
Ancient Mop Fair
The annual mop fair in Stratford-Upon-Avon, including the roasting of an ox
Overview
The 'mop fair' is an annual custom in Stratford-upon-Avon dating back to medieval times. Traditionally held in October, when labourers and apprentices would come to the town seeking work, the fair culminates in the roasting of a whole ox. All appealing fare for the newsreels - this Topical Budget item was one of several cinematic records of the events.
The mop fair, which continues to this day, was described by historian Charles G Harper in the 1930s as "an offence to people of delicate sensibilities".
Related
About Britain - Second Edition About Britain - Second Edition
Amateur film 1965 12 mins Location: London
Join the Clague family as they zoom up an empty M1 to Stratford upon Avon, Long Itchington and Coventry - a city reborn after its 1940 destruction
Mr. Therm's Review No. 4 Mr. Therm's Review No. 4
Cinemagazine 1955 12 mins Location: Olney
Stained glass, a pancake race and actors Anthony Quayle and Barbara Jefford feature in this promo from the Gas Council
England's Shakespeare England's Shakespeare
Travelogue 1939 18 mins Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Have a trip away from the hustle and bustle and travel by rail to take in the sights of Shakespeare country.
Shakespeareland Shakespeareland
Amateur film 1932 9 mins Silent Location: Wilmcote
Ticking off the tourist attractions of William Shakespeare's old stamping ground in a rather grand Rolls Royce.
British and Best British and Best
Non-Fiction 1928 0 mins Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
A progressive design by a pioneering female architect beats all comers to become the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford
Easter Holiday Activities Easter Holiday Activities
Non-Fiction 1957 6 mins Silent Location: Birmingham
Out and about across the Midlands to see what people do with their Easter Monday holiday. Spring is in the air with time for swimming, funfairs and a good honest pint.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.