Horn Dancing in Abbots Bromley

The existence of Abbots Bromley can be traced back to long before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, through a number of references in charters and wills dating from that time. The first market charter was granted in 1221 for a weekly market and an annual two-day fair to be held in the village, and this fair survives today in the form of a rare and slightly unusual ritual. One theory on the obscure origins of the horn dance is that it derived from an ancient fertility rite, another is that the dance celebrates the establishment of ancient hunting rites.

The horn dance was first performed at the Barthelmy Fair as long ago as 1226. It was originally held on the feast day of St Bartholomew, one of the apostles and the patron saint of tanners, but an alteration to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 changed this date to 4 September. Today it's held on the first weekend after the 4th, with the dance proper taking place on the Monday.

According to custom six pairs of ancient reindeer horns (or more accurately antlers) are collected from St Nicholas's Church just before 8am by a small entourage of dancers comprising - among others - a fool, a hobby horse, a bowman and Maid Marion. The first dance of the day is performed on the village green with music provided by a melodion (a small reed organ similar to an accordion). Then, a tour of the nearby villages, farms and pubs ensues with the final dance taking place back at the village green. In addition to the horn dance proper, this colourful procession also features displays of morris and clog dancing. Other attractions include exhibitions and craft stalls, plus the pleasures of no fewer than five pubs in Abbots Bromley alone. Each year the dance attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the world.

As well as the horn dance, Abbots Bromley also boasts a number of other notable legends. The Goat's Head pub was once patronised by infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, who is believed to have stayed the night there after stealing a horse from Rugeley fair. And then there is the story of the Bagot goats: these black-necked beasts used to roam Bagot Woods to the north of the village and were first given to Sir John Bagot by Richard II at the end of the 14th century, in return for the hunting he enjoyed here. Legend has it that as long as the herd is maintained the Bagot family shall survive.

What to look for

The wooden Buttercross (opposite the Goat's Head pub and named after the produce once sold under it) would have been at the heart of the once-thriving market and is thought to have been built in 1339. However, architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner, in The Buildings of England, Staffordshire, gives a more likely date of the 17th century.

While you're there

Blithfield Reservoir, just to the west of Abbots Bromley, has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) thanks to the significant part it plays as a refuge for wildfowl and immigrant waders such as yellow wagtails, Canada geese, great crested grebe and heron. The shoreline at the north end of the causeway makes a very pleasant spot for a picnic, and in the summer there is often a take-away food outlet selling snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice creams.

Where to eat and drink

There are five different pubs to choose from in Abbots Bromley alone, and you can be sure of a warm welcome in all of them. The Goat's Head is arguably as friendly and welcoming as any, with timber beams throughout and excellent food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm daily. Bar snacks and a variety of traditional hot meals are available.