The images show the Goathland Plough Stots, who are one of Yorkshires oldest
traditional long-sword dance teams, with a tradition going back to the early 19th century.
They ceased dancing in the late 19th century, were revived by Frank Dowson
in the early 1920's, stopped during 1939-45, then revived again. They may be seen each January on a
Saturday near Plough Monday (the first Monday after Twelfth Day).
At one time a plough was actually dragged around with them and the Plough Stots were
numerous characters who accompanied the dancers on Plough Monday itself. Nowadays the name
refers exclusively to the dancers themsleves, and the plough is simply blessed at the church
another day. Pictured below are the Plough Stots in 1948. For a history of the tradition see
http://www.goathlandploughstots.co.uk/history.html