SCUTDOWN SHROVETIDE

Summary

Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is home to the historic and chaotic Royal Shrove Tide football, a centuries-old tradition. Played between the 'downwards' and 'uppids' teams, the game sees players pushing a leather ball over three miles to score. Despite its violent nature, with players tumbling into the 'hug' and rough scrums, the game remains a passionate and celebrated part of the town's culture. Though its origins are unclear, the game has survived centuries, even defying royal bans. After hours of intense play, the victorious team parades through the town, embodying a unique link to the origins of modern football.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ashbourne, Derbyshire is a quiet, picturesque town with a rich history and tradition of Royal Shrove Tide football.
• 😀 Boarded-up shops around town are a common sight during the Shrove Tide football event.
• 😀 The event divides the town into two sides based on whether you're from the north or south of Ashbourne's River Henmore.
• 😀 The Royal Shrove Tide football game has origins that date back centuries, with the earliest reference in 1349 when King Edward III tried to ban it.
• 😀 The game is chaotic and rough, with players striving to get a painted pork-leather ball to one of two goals three miles apart.
• 😀 A key feature of the game is the 'hug,' a massive scrum that determines the flow of the game as players try to get the ball loose.
• 😀 There are no vehicles allowed, and players cannot use bags to carry the ball.
• 😀 The game lasts for hours, with breaks in between, and can continue until late into the evening.
• 😀 The town's pride and passion for the event are evident, with large crowds and a sense of community surrounding the game.
• 😀 The event concludes with a procession to celebrate the winning side and their hero who scored the goal, after hours of intense play.

Q & A

What is the significance of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, in the context of Shrove Tide football?

Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is the location where the traditional Royal Shrove Tide football game is played. The town is known for its long-standing tradition of this rough, physical game, where residents from either side of the town compete to score a goal over a distance of three miles.

What historical event is believed to have influenced the origins of Shrove Tide football?

Historians believe that the game’s origins can be traced back to a time when it was played using the head of an executed man, though the exact history remains unclear. The game was also briefly banned by King Edward III in 1349 because it interfered with archery practice.

What are the main objectives of the Royal Shrove Tide football game?

The main objective is to move a painted pork-leather ball toward one of two goals that are three miles apart. Players from opposite sides, either from the 'uppers' or 'downwards,' compete in a physical and intense struggle to get the ball to their team's goal.

What does 'the hug' refer to in the context of the game?

'The hug' refers to a chaotic scrum formed by the players to try and gain control of the ball. It is one of the game's more intense moments where players work together to push the ball forward and break away to make progress toward the goal.

What are some of the rules of the Shrove Tide football game?

There are only a few rules: no vehicles are allowed, and players cannot put the ball in a bag. Otherwise, the game is quite loose and chaotic, with players physically fighting to get possession of the ball and move it toward the goal.

How long does the Shrove Tide football game typically last?

The game can last for several hours. It may go on until late in the evening, sometimes until 10 PM. It’s an intense and drawn-out event that can be both physically exhausting and exciting.

What does the term 'upwards' and 'downwards' refer to?

The terms 'upwards' and 'downwards' refer to the two teams in the Shrove Tide football game, based on their geographical locations in relation to Ashbourne's River Henmore. Those born south of the river are considered 'downwards,' and those born to the north are 'uppers.'

What happens after a goal is scored in the game?

After a goal is scored, there is a celebratory procession where the hero of the game, the person who scored the goal, is paraded through the streets of Ashbourne. This marks the end of the match and the beginning of the celebrations.

How does the Shrove Tide football game relate to modern football?

The Shrove Tide football game is considered a precursor to modern football, with its rough, physical style and the objective of scoring a goal. It embodies the roots of the sport in its most unrefined form, which eventually evolved into the more structured game of football we know today.

What is the atmosphere like during the game?

The atmosphere during the game is chaotic and intense. The players are fully engaged in a physical contest, and the town itself is filled with excitement, as residents support their respective teams. The game has a sense of tradition and community involvement, even though it can get quite rough.