"Amongst Morris Dancing their is almost no evidence at all until the arrival of "Blackface Minstrelsy" from the US Music Hall into the UK Music Hall.

"The evidence for the roots of 'Blackface' are in Minstrelsey"

Why would Morris dancers link their activity to minstrelsy, unless 'blackface' was already present?

Minstrel shows began in America around 1830 and declined after 1870 - it's not very long ago in historical terms. Exactly what evidence is there of 'blackface' Morris dancers before minstrel shows became popular?

And mummers are not Morris dancers - although the participants of both may be more closely linked today. Again, why would they link their plays with minstrelsy? Is there any evidence that blacking up of mummers and guisers occurred before the introduction of minstrel shows?

I've seen the Gilles with their white face masks, but I wonder if there are any European dances done in 'blackface'? In Holland, before Christmas, Sinterklaas arrives from Spain accompanied by Zwarte Piet. Zwarte Piet is usually portrayed in 'blackface' - with a curly black wig, red lips and big earrings - and this has become increasingly controversial.

Whatever the origin of 'blackface' performances, I'm sure that there are many people who do find them offensive today. And there are other festivities that cause offence too. Should we take the feelings of those who are offended into account?