This film is part of Free
Selkirk Common Riding 1899
Selkirk does its Border traditions proud with a cavalcade of riders and a herculean feat of banner waving.
Overview
The Battle of Flodden lives on! A magnificent foot parade and cavalcade of horsemen process through the streets and common land of Selkirk in a centuries-old ceremony of the Scots Royal Burgh, recalling medieval border disputes between Scotland and England. The day culminates in the defiant demonstration of the 'casting of the colours' in Selkirk marketplace - which, legend has it, represents the waving of the bloodied English flag by the only Scottish soldier to survive the battle.
The precise production and release dates for this film are unclear. Although the title gives a date of 1899, the style of the titles and unusually long length for the Victorian period suggest the film may have been made or re-released at a later date - possibly in 1909. It was not uncommon for films of major events such as Selkirk's Common Riding to be re-released to attract new audiences with the promise of a nostalgic look back for those taking part at the time.
Related
Ardboe Wishing Tree Ardboe Wishing Tree
News 1965 4 mins Location: Ardboe
Graveyards tell strange stories and this one is no exception. From magic cows to wishing trees discover what lies in the Ardboe graveyard.
The Sash My Father Wore The Sash My Father Wore
Documentary 1971 6 mins Location: Lisburn
Is mythology stronger than history? Listen to children’s takes on why they commemorate the Battle of the Boyne.
Sodom and Begorrah Sodom and Begorrah
Amateur film 1967 14 mins Location: Holywood
Amusing fantasy of the adventures of a priest who finds his new parish in the grip of the most blatant depravity
At Mountstewart At Mountstewart
Non-Fiction 1930 3 mins Silent Location: Newtownards
A grand day out at Mount Stewart, where crowds of children jostle for the camera and form a very orderly queue.
By Tradition By Tradition
News 1966 14 mins Silent Location: Cultra
See the tools in action that helped our farmers win back the soil from the weed and wilderness over generations.
County Antrim County Antrim
Amateur film 1971 3 mins Silent Location: Larne
Enjoy the early signs of spring from the lambs gambolling in the fields to the rally cars tearing round the Circuit of Ireland.
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.