| Where: | Hastings, Sussex starting at St Clement's Steps |
| When: | Weekend in late November |
| Time: | 6 pm or more usually 7.30 pm (variable from one year to another) |
The feast days of St Catherine and St Clement fall on the 23rd and 25th of November and in olden times it was common for folk to tour their district in search of generous donations of apples and beer to mark the festivals. Special songs were sung and cattern cakes were baked. These customs had faded away over time, but at Hastings they have been brought up to date in a modern revival by members of the Bonfire Society. They tour the town, in festive attire though no longer with a handcart, starting outside St Clement’s Church then moving from pub to pub, singing songs and lighting Catherine Wheels as they go.
Helpful Hints
While it’s always near the end of November, at the end of Sussex Bonfire season, the date and time can vary a little depending on the availability of participants. In 2024 it was on Friday 22nd November- 2025 date is yet to be announced.
Click here for the Bonfire Society website: http://www.hbbs.info
View this location on the map.
In the South Midlands Catterning was always associated with the Lace trade, as st Catherine was the paton saint of the Lacemakers whilst there was also an association with Catherine of Aragon.
Yes I’ve read about St Catherine/Catherine of Aragon connection with lacemakers, too- interesting! There’s a long out of print book called Cattern Cakes and Lace by Julia Jones and Barbara Deer which has recipes associated with seasons and customs, which is well worth a read if you can find one and I think is where I first read about the lacemakers.