177 The Haxey Hood

The ancient and unusual game known as the Haxey Hood is played every year on January 6th, at Haxey in North Lincolnshire.

Locals battle amidst the muddy fields of north Lincolnshire in one of the UK’s oldest traditional tussles – and quirkiest outdoor pursuits!

The great festival occasion resembles a pagan rugby match. Legend has it that in the 14th century the wife of Sir John de Mowbray, Lady de Mowbray, was riding to church on twelfth night and lost her hood whilst riding in the wind over Haxey Hill. Her hood was blown off across a field and some local men chased and retrieved it.

Today men from 5 local hamlets attempt to ’sway’ the leather hood to their local inn, and so win. Many traditions around this game survive as well as traditional songs to be sung.

Huge crowds gather for the annual tussle to grab the Hood, but those following the game may need to wear boots as the ground can be very muddy.

Source: visitlincolnshire.com