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Updated: 20 January 2009
There has been a record of the presence of Morris dancing in the village since the 17th century; then, according to history, Morris dancers from Ilmington danced round a flag on Dovers Hill at Chipping Campden and on the flagpole was painted “Heigh to the Cotswolds”. Their music came from a pipe and tabor. Since 1805 the side was tutored by George Arthurs and they used to meet in Webbs’ weaving rooms in the
village. Tom and James Arthurs, son and grandson carried on the tradition and one of their colleagues Joseph Johnson, again significantly revived the side in 1887. His dancers included Tom who, although 85 was still able to perform a lively jig. It was at this time that Samuel Bennett became involved and learned the tunes from the now old pipe and tabor player, Tom (died in 1891). Sam had close associations with the Bampton fiddler Bertie Clarke and used to play for the Bampton men occasionally. On an occasion when Sam had fallen from a pear tree and broke his arm- Harry Sturch, from Shipston-on-Stour, played fiddle. Harry having learned his playing from his grandfather Henry Sturch went on to play again for the Ilmington men in 1974 when a significant interest was again re-kindled by a number of local men including Chris Green, Stan Jones and Paul Bryan (born an Ilmington man). Harry or ‘Fid’ as he was known was able to give invaluable help to again raise the side to full strength- which has continued to flourish to the present day.
The Hobby Horse, now believed to be the oldest in the country, was introduced to the Ilmington tradition by Sam Bennett. It was made in 1899 by Edwin Hancox who lived at no. 2 Great William Street in Stratford-upon- Avon. The horse was refurbished a number of times by Edwin and his son ‘Bill’ (Frank William Hancox) the original horse is still in use, although partly affected by the wood-worm ! Thankfully this has not spread to the ‘jockey’ !
Traditionally the Morris is performed in the village on Gardens Day (usually the first Sunday in April) when a number of gardens, including those of The Manor House, are opened to the public. St George’s Day, May Day and Boxing Day are also special occasions where the side can be seen.
The side perform around the local villages on a Wednesday evening from May until the end of August, usually at the local hostelries. Practices continue throughout the Winter months (see ‘Join Us’) starting at 8pm in the Village Hall and afterwards at ‘Headquarters’.
Headquarters of the Ilmington side is The Red Lion Inn (Tel. 01608 682366), a Hook Norton Brewery owned house selling a variety of the breweries fine ales and marvellous food. Kath and Percy provide a warm welcome to all.
The side perform around the local villages on a Wednesday evening from May until the end of August, usually at the local hostelries. Practices continue throughout the Winter months (see ‘Join Us’) starting at 8pm in the Village Hall and afterwards at ‘Headquarters’.
Headquarters of the Ilmington side is The Red Lion Inn (Tel. 01608 682366), a Hook Norton Brewery owned house selling a variety of the breweries fine ales and marvellous food. Kath and Percy provide a warm welcome to all.
www.ilmingtonmorrismen.org.uk
Our History