Bampton Morris

The Morris has been danced in Bampton (in-the-Bush) with no break ever having been recorded except during World Wars; it is the only village in England where this can be said with any certainty. The Morris was always danced through the streets and gardens of the village on Whit-Monday (nowadays May Bank Holiday). The dancers were accompanied by a Ragman (carrying clothes, etc.), a Treasurer (collecting Money) and a Sword Bearer carrying a cake that was distributed to the audience; this represented the spirit of the Morris; a posy of flowers was placed on the tip of the sword.

Most of the information gathered by Cecil Sharp between 1908 and 1914 came from Jinky Wells, one time Fool and musician.  Bampton is the most fluid of all traditions with many styles (at least 3 heys in common use). A major divergence occurred about 1924, which later resulted in two teams under Francis Shergold and Arnold Woodley. In 1965, a further split of the Woodley Side led to a third side known as 'The Rebels' (under Matt Green).