Blidworth Cradle Rocking Service

Where: Blidworth, Nottinghamshire at Church of St Mary of the Purification
When: 1st Sunday in February
Time: usually 4pm

 

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Blidworth hosts a unique survival – the Rocking Ceremony, which is held on the first Sunday in February, close to the festival of Candlemas, in which the presentation of baby Jesus at the Temple is commemorated . The baby born nearest to Christmas Day in the parish is baptised during the morning service and in the afternoon is rocked by the vicar in a beautifully flower bedecked cradle in the church at a special candle-lit service. It is believed that the baby represents the infant Jesus and that in former times perhaps a more elaborate play took place which has evolved into the ceremony we have today. The custom dates back hundreds of years, though it has lapsed and been revived twice, most recently in 1922. The Rockings Baby is also presented with a special Bible and his name is added later to the roster of  Rockings Babies in the parish on the board at the back of the church.

Helpful Hints

II 2025 it should be on Sunday February 2nd.

From 2023 the event returned to the usual time of 4pm- in 2022 there was a special centenary service, at the earlier than usual time of 10am rather than in the afternoon, with other exhibitions and a concert.

Blidworth is pronounced “Bliddurth” with a silent w. It’s a very welcoming service for all ages which lasts around 45 minutes and has plenty of hymn singing with well-known tunes. Everyone is given a candle, which is lit towards the end. Photography is welcome before and after but not during the service. Whilst well attended, there was plenty of room for visitors in 2014 and all were invited to share refreshments at the end.

A register of all the Rocking Babies since the last revival in 1922 is kept on the Baptistry wall in church and Will Scarlett (of Robin Hood’s Merry Men) is buried in the churchyard just through a small gate to the south-west. Also look out for the modern sculpture commemorating the Rockings on the corner of Mansfield Road/Dale Lane beside the carpark.

Parking is limited near the church so allow plenty of time – some spaces are kindly made available at the pub next door.

Click here for church contacts: http://www.achurchnearyou.com/blidworth-st-mary-of-the-purification/

and here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rainworthblidworthCofE/

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