Morris Dancing in Hull

Subject: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 09:11 AM

The local Morris Dancing team are looking for new members, they are called Green Ginger Morris Men and they meet up to practice once a week at Beverley Road (near The Haworth pub), they have got a website it is www.green-ginger-morris.co.uk

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: alanww
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 10:17 AM

Sorry John, its a bit too far for me to commute from Stratford-upon-Avon (and I am already a member of four side so perhaps that's enough, even for me!) Good luck with your recruiting though! ...
But if anyone lives nearer the North Cotwolds and may be interested in joining the Shakespeare Morris Men (with a good bit of singing too) have a look here!

Come fill up your glasses and let us be merry ...
Alan

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 10:52 AM

What is the significance of the "The land of GREEN GINGER" ? - I know that it is an exceedingly short street (almost a court) in HULL (or should I really say Kingston ?) I took the time to search for it once and was rather disapointed when I found it - I'd at least expected there to be a pub of the same name.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 11:30 AM

I've no idea how you missed it Dave, but The George public house is on The Land of Green Ginger.It is one of the best pubs in Hull for food (owned by Paolo Cattaneo, top class chef), he also owns The old Custom House Restaurant, and his daughter is married to the doorman at Kings Club, probably the best night/social club in Hull.Here is a picture of The land of Green Ginger=www.hullcc.gov.uk/wh303m.html

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 12:20 PM

The Land of Green Ginger has no significance. It's just a very odd street name in the Old Town. The real reason for the name is now lost to us, but you'll find plenty of suggestions. Oddly enough, I just walked down there today, on my way to buy some ginger!

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 12:22 PM

It's were the little green ginger men live! Haven't you seen them Les?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: GUEST,Les/ Manchester uk
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 12:23 PM

What is the depth of this tradition in Hull?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 12:28 PM

Hull was granted a Royal Charter over 700 years ago.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Willa
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 03:31 PM

There are several theories about the 'Land of Green Ginger' name. The only one I can remember suggests that a merchant called Moses Greenhinger traded in the area. Dave; it's not too surprising that it is a short street-it would probably be named when Kingston upon Hull was still a walled city. If you ever have time when in the town, go on one of the guided walks round the city centre.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 03:36 PM

...or buy me a drink and I'll take you round! Seriously, I've lived here for 53 years (you call THAT living?) and since I'm now retired I'm willing to show fellow 'catters the sights (of which, I'm not one).

Les

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 24 Jan 02 - 04:18 PM

No, mate but the 'Dorian Grey'-type portrait in your cupboard IS a sight, matey, albeit an unpleasant one!

'ello, Willa M'dear.... Should we mention ROTTEN HERRINGS now too? *G*

Ayup John!

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Steveie1
Date: 25 Jan 02 - 08:00 AM

Another explanation is that The Land of Green Ginger was a merchanting area in Hull for the Spice Trade hence its name.

The other brilliant pub in the area is Ye Olde White Heart. Steeped in history.

Ayup Paul and Les

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: bobby's girl
Date: 25 Jan 02 - 06:13 PM

As a point of interest, when I used to live in Hull, the smallest window in Britain was to be seen in the Land of Green Ginger. It was about 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Does anyone know if its still there?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: GUEST,Les/ Manchester uk
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 03:52 AM

So what's the depth of the Morris tradition in Hull?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Willa
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 11:32 AM

Hi, bobby's girl.
http://www.eyorks.com/hullpub/george Finally, no description of the George should be complete without mentioning that it houses what is reputed to be the smallest window in Hull The story goes that the window, which is adjacent to the gateway used by the old mail coaches, was used as a lookout by those responsible for caring for the horses.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 12:37 PM

It's still there. In fact it would be very difficult to get rid of it, as it is basically a glazed gap in the structure of a grade 2 listed building. If Hitler didn't get it, it should last for a while yet.

Another 'explanation' of the Green Ginger name is that it refers to excrement. So there's plenty of reasons for this street name. Take your pick from existing ones or, better still, make one up for yourself.

Les

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 01:24 PM

Eyup Paul (& Les), Didn't the English civil war start in an upstairs room at The George? I remember being taught something about it at school but that was quite a while ago!
Can anyone answer Les from Manchester, when he asks How old is Hull's Morris Dancing tradition? I lived in Cottingham over 30 years ago, and remember seeing Morris Dancing on the village green, dont know if they were Green Ginger Moris Men though.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 01:39 PM

Ayup John.......the 'Plotting Parlour' is at 'Ye Olde White Harte'....though I'm SURE I've heard something about some debate about whether it was actually at 'The George'.

Anyone else 'shed some light' on that discussion? Les? Willa?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: gnomad
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 03:26 PM

Les- Your performers could have been Green Ginger MM, they formed in 1968, being admitted to the Morris Ring in 1971.

For more info try their website http://www.green-ginger-morris.co.uk

I too was once a Hull resident (also a GGMM dancer) it's a much better place than lots a people think. The George and Ye Olde White Harte were particular favourite watering holes, though of course we were based in the Blue Bell. Happy memories!

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 03:32 PM

Where's Morris dancing next after Hull?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Willa
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 03:43 PM

I was always told that the 'Plotting parlour' was in the White Harte; the following info is from the www.eyorks.com/hullpub/ site. Visit it for a 'virtual pub crawl'. 'The White Harte can only be reached from an alleyway that runs between Silver Street and Bowlalley Lane. It carries its history with a certain self-consciousness, but I suppose that if you'd been around since the 1550s, you might too.

The White Harte's entry into the latter half of the second millennium was secured in 1969, when, subject to certain conditions, some women were allowed into one room. Few pubs can claim a genuine place in history. Ye Olde White Harte certainly can. It was in an upstairs room here - now known as the Plotting Parlour - that in 1642 Sir John Hotham resolved to bar King Charles from the town. This act triggered the English Civil War and, in due course, lost Sir John his head. Maybe if he'd just decided to have another pint instead... '

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 04:45 PM

The plotting parlour is in Ye Olde White Harte, but it probably isn't the same room where Sir John Hotham (Governor of Hull) met the Mayor and MP to decide to not let the King in (in spite of what the brewery claims). The building was extensively rebuilt in the second half of the 17th century.

The reason that he lost his head was that he tried to betray the town later on - yet we still named a road after him!

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 04:57 PM

2 Roads Les! (Hotham Road North & Hotham Road South)

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 06:48 PM

Nah, John, thats just one divided into two....making a fair representation of Sir John!

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 06:58 PM

Any coonection to Hotham Hall, did he build/own it? any local history experts out there? Les? Willa? Paul?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 07:10 PM

Me?

*G*

I have no idea....I think I've HEARD of Hotham Hall, but where is it?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: GUEST,Les/ Manchester uk
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 04:14 AM

Their seem so many amazing and fascinating historical things that have gone on in Hull. Why did people drog in Morris Dancing in 1968 with a sort of assumption that it is old and local? Are LofGGMM Cotswold or cloggies?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Hrothgar
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 05:03 AM

After Hull, there are Halifax and Hell...

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Willa
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 09:11 AM

John; there seems to be thread drift going on here, but in answer to your question - 'Hotham Hall, long identified with the ancient family of Hotham, is a handsome mansion, standing in a park of 150 acres, about one mile north of the village (Hotham, E Yorkshire). A west wing was added to the house in 1871. Hotham family, of South Dalton and Scorborough (not Scarborough!) Sir John Hotham was the son of John Hotham, High Sheriff of Yorkshire. He served in the Thirty Years War and sat as MP for Beverley during the reign of Charles I. He was knighted in 1617 and became the 1st baronet on 14 January 1622. On 11 January 1642 Charles I appointed the Earl of Newcastle as Governor of Hull and Parliament appointed Sir John Hotham who believed he held the town in the 'king's authority signified by the Lords and Commons in Parliament'. This became a problem when the King demanded entry to Hull on 23 April 1642. Sir John Hotham refused him entry on the grounds that it would betray his commission to keep the town secure. He was declared a traitor. Letters to the Earl of Newcastle from Sir John Hotham and his son that are in the collection contain evidence of their ambiguous loyalties and their return to the king's fold in early 1643'. Paul; yes, clearly a man in two minds.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 09:59 AM

Thanks Willa.Very interesting, I tried to find some information from Google, but didn't have any luck.john

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 10:39 AM

Les - Green Ginger Morris are a Cotswold side, although they were originally a Yorkshire Longsword and Rapper team.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 11:22 AM

Ah! What is the local history of Longsword or rapper?

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 03:39 PM

Perhaps you'd better ask the side that. There's email available from their website (address above)

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 11:53 AM

they are dancing at trinity sqaure tommorow from 10am to 4pm.

Subject: RE: Morris Dancing in Hull
From: GUEST,Hannah
Date: 27 Sep 02 - 01:55 PM

There'll be many other dance teams (apart from Green Ginger) dancing in Hull tomorrow, including Beverley Garland Dancers.