The Morris Ring

The images show the Goathland Plough Stots, who are one of Yorkshire's 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 Goathland Plough Stots - History.  

• Monkseaton MM : New Year's Day - The Ship Inn in Monkseaton village (noon)
• Alvechurch MM : New Year's Day - Mummers' Play around Alvechurch (at The Crown in Withybed Green)
• Ashdown Forest MM : New Year's Day - 1 pm - check their website for location
• Jockey MM : Closest Saturday to Plough Monday - Birmingham City Centre.
• Grenoside Sword Dancers:  Grenoside, Sheffield.  On the Saturday after the first Sunday in January, the team tours the village on foot, dancing at different locations. 
• Goathland Ploughstots : 1st Sunday after 12th Night - Blessing of the Plough Service, St Mary's Church (10.30am)
• Goathland Ploughstots : The following Saturday - Tour of Goathland and surrounding area, starting from the Reading Room at 9.30 am

The links given below will take you to more detailed desciptions of some of the other seasonal events.

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