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 Silent 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
News 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.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.