Saturday 7 September, 2pm

Dr. Andrew Walker delivers our inaugural Rex Russell Memorial Lecture.  Andrew is Chair of the Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology, and has chosen this theme as Rex’s interests in Lincolnshire’s past included a deep interest in the experience of working people, their politics, religion and their culture. The talk will examine the phenomenon of rough music, which Rex referred to in a number of his works. This was a communal means of protesting, usually about actions taking place that contravened societal norms.

Using a range of set piece actions, often involving disguise and the use of discordant sounds, community members expressed dramatically their dissatisfaction with particular forms of behaviour that threatened the social order. Sometimes known by other names such as ‘riding the stang’ and ‘skimmington rides’, an examination of rough music provides an insight into the ways in which communities sought to regulate themselves in pre-industrial societies.

Drawing upon newspaper reports, folklorists’ accounts and illustrations, Andrew Walker will explore the ways in which these activities were reported in their final years during the ‘long’ nineteenth century from c. 1780 to 1914.

£5 advance, £7 otd.  Civic Society members free.  Booking is advised*

Why not make it a special afternoon and enjoy a pre lecture buffet lunch at Wilderspin in the School’s Playground Garden.  £10 – booking essential*.