{"id":3538,"date":"2023-02-20T09:30:27","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T09:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk\/dorset-history-centre-blog\/?p=3538"},"modified":"2023-02-16T11:36:16","modified_gmt":"2023-02-16T11:36:16","slug":"shrove-tuesday-a-lesser-known-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk\/dorset-history-centre-blog\/2023\/02\/20\/shrove-tuesday-a-lesser-known-tradition\/","title":{"rendered":"Shrove Tuesday: a lesser-known tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shrove Tuesday is approaching and we are preparing to indulge in the tradition of eating pancakes. But there is another centuries-old tradition also occurring on Shrove Tuesday that we want to shine a light on.<\/p>\n

In Corfe Castle, Shrove Tuesday is the day when the Purbeck quarrymen meet to enrol the new quarrymen. The ceremony is detailed in The Dorset Federation of Women\u2019s Institutes Diamond Jubilee Book, 1977<\/a>. The tradition dates back to the formation of The Ancient Order of Purbeck Marblers in 1651 by Royal charter.<\/p>\n

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D-DPA\/1\/SW\/15<\/a>: Mr L Corbin and Mr Collins quarrying in Purbeck, early 20th<\/sup> century<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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D-DPA\/1\/SW\/12<\/a>: H Chinchen and W Brown at Cowleaze, early 20th<\/sup> century<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Apprentices gather in the Fox Inn before midday when a church bell tolls to call the quarrymen together. A Chaplain takes a service for the quarrymen who then have their Annual General Meeting in the Town Hall. Following the AGM, sponsors of the new apprentices put forward the case for those who wish to be enrolled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo become a quarryman you must either be a quarryman\u2019s son, have married a quarryman\u2019s daughter, or have served as an apprentice for 7 years\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If accepted, the apprentices must make their way to the town hall with \u201cone penny lofe\u201d (baked especially by a local baker) and \u201ctwo poots of before\u201d (2 pints of ale). But there is a catch! The quarrymen line the street and try to steal or drink the beer! We have managed to find photographic evidence of this part of proceedings from 1974. If you recognise yourself or a family member, please let us know!<\/p>\n

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D-SLI\/10\/3<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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D-SLI\/10\/4<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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D-SLI\/10\/5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The apprentices who eventually arrive at the Town Hall with two full pints (usually after several refills at The Fox) pay the dues of six shillings and eightpence and are enrolled. According to the ancient charter:<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 the last married to bring a ffoot ball, according to the custome of the company.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The ball is kicked down the High Street to Halves field where a short game is played. The ball is then kicked back to the Town Hall.<\/p>\n