CoffeePotter

By CoffeePotter

The Raising of the Glove

It was the Raising of the Glove ceremony in Axminster today. This is part of the Cherry Fayre and is an ancient tradition going back to King John, and the ceremony was revived several years ago. A document, accompanied by a glove (as a sign of the King's authority) conferred the title of Lord of the Manor to William Brewer and granted Axminster the status of a Free Borough, with the right to hold a market every 7 days, and an 8 day fair to be held annually. The current Lord of the Manor holds the glove aloft and proclaims "The glove is up!" This means that it's the start of the 8 day fair, and also no man can be arrested until the glove is down in 8 days time. 
They do however, recommend that no-one tests this part of the declaration - and there is no mention of women not being arrested!
Various historical figures were to be seen roaming round the town during the day, and this chap is one of them. What historical figure he represents, I'm not entirely sure, but it was all great fun.

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