Morton and Southwell Plough Sunday

Where: Morton, near Southwell in Nottinghamshire at St Denis' Church and at Southwell
When: Sunday in early to mid January (near Plough Monday)
Time: Blessing 10.30, Dancing from Noon

 

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Plough Monday was the day upon which agricultural workers returned to the land and they marked the occasion by disguising themselves and touring their local district dancing and performing plays for largesse (see Plough Monday article). At Southwell the present day celebrations are hosted by Sullivan’s Sword and are held on a Sunday near Plough Monday to make it easier for spectators to attend. The day begins with a traditional Blessing of the Plough service at  Morton at St Denis’ Church (which in 2014 included some excellent performances by the talented musicians of Sullivans Sword) followed by refreshments in the Church Hall across the road, then Sullivan’s Sword and visiting Morris sides like Rattlejag perform through the afternoon at Southwell before retiring to local hostelries for further music and entertainment. Sullivans Sword also perform the Farnsfield Plough Play which is a traditional mummers play including a death and revival and colourful characters (literally!) like Beelzebub and the Recruiting Sergeant.

Helpful Hints

Dancing starts  at Noon until dusk around local villages and Southwell (check Sullivan’s Sword website for timings). In 2024 it was on Sunday January 7th- 2025 details are yet to be confirmed.

Some of the performers will also be out on Plough Monday (check links for details).

For the church click here: https://www.beneficeofwesttrent.org

For Sullivan’s Sword click here : http://www.sullivanssword.co.uk/

and her: https://www.facebook.com/SullivansSword

For Rattlejag click here: http://www.rattlejagmorris.org.uk/

Many thanks to Moira Ruff for all the photos without the calendarcustoms watermark!

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