A tradition of payment, for the use of fields or roadways, that may date back to Saxon times. St Martins'day. 1899 'Recorded as 'ongoing' 1170 AD and still going strong!' One of Britain’s oldest and quirkiest rituals , echoing scenes reminiscent of a Little Britain episode. At the break of dawn, a peculiar congregation gathered in a field between Ryton and Stretton, Warwickshire.
Amidst the rustic setting, individuals tossed coins into a stone recess under the scrutiny of an emissary representing a Scottish nobleman. Each participant proclaimed the words "wroth silver" with gusto.
Following this ancient custom, the intrepid assembly retreated to the Queens Head pub in Bretford, indulging in clay pipe smoking and hearty servings of a traditional English breakfast.
The Wroth Silver tradition, dating back nearly 850 years to 1170, occurs annually on Martinmas Eve. The Duke of Buccleuch, also known as the steward of the Ancient Hundred of Knightlow, dispatches his envoy to levy taxes from the 25 surrounding parishes.
The levies range from half a pence to 11.5p per parish, amounting to a total of 46p—a significant sum in its time. Failure to remit payment incurred a penalty: the forfeiture of a white bull with red nose and ears.
Rooted in feudal law, this ceremony was once widespread across the country and documented in the Domesday Book. Its decline coincided with the emergence of local governance and modern tax collection methods.
Today, the ceremony persists solely to preserve this ancient heritage, earning its status as Britain’s oldest surviving ritual.
Amidst the rustic setting, individuals tossed coins into a stone recess under the scrutiny of an emissary representing a Scottish nobleman. Each participant proclaimed the words "wroth silver" with gusto.
Following this ancient custom, the intrepid assembly retreated to the Queens Head pub in Bretford, indulging in clay pipe smoking and hearty servings of a traditional English breakfast.
The Wroth Silver tradition, dating back nearly 850 years to 1170, occurs annually on Martinmas Eve. The Duke of Buccleuch, also known as the steward of the Ancient Hundred of Knightlow, dispatches his envoy to levy taxes from the 25 surrounding parishes.
The levies range from half a pence to 11.5p per parish, amounting to a total of 46p—a significant sum in its time. Failure to remit payment incurred a penalty: the forfeiture of a white bull with red nose and ears.
Rooted in feudal law, this ceremony was once widespread across the country and documented in the Domesday Book. Its decline coincided with the emergence of local governance and modern tax collection methods.
Today, the ceremony persists solely to preserve this ancient heritage, earning its status as Britain’s oldest surviving ritual.
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Empire Day at Bitterne Park Triangle.
Queen Victoria died in January 1901. The first Empire Day was held on her birthday the 24th May in 1902.
In 1958 Empire Day was re-badged as British Commonwealth Day, and in 1966 it became known as Commonwealth Day. The date of Commonwealth Day was also changed to 10th June, the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The date was again changed in 1977 to the second Monday in March.
Queen Victoria died in January 1901. The first Empire Day was held on her birthday the 24th May in 1902.
In 1958 Empire Day was re-badged as British Commonwealth Day, and in 1966 it became known as Commonwealth Day. The date of Commonwealth Day was also changed to 10th June, the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The date was again changed in 1977 to the second Monday in March.
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