Tim - I have already mentioned Abbots Bromley as dating back to 1226 - Far earlier than the Ock Street Horns at Abingdon (1700) which were originaly the cause of a fracas rather than a Morris dance!:-) But we know that neither is an unbroken tradition. As to Bampton - I am not overy familiar but was bought a pint in the Elephant(?) By Francis Shergolds brother who then paid for both mine and his with a bag of what looked like turnips! He did not tell me anything about Morris but told me there was an 'Aunt Sally' competition going on that night. One of the strangest sights I have seen - Skittles in reverse. Can't think of anywhere else that throws sticks at a ball! Oh - from Bampton's own web site I got this snippet though -

"Claims have often been made that the performance of Morris dancing in Bampton at anything up to six hundred years. While this may actually be true, there is simply no evidence to support such a claim. The first written reference discovered (so far, at least) occurs as late as 1847, although that source clearly indicates that the performances by the dancers were a regular annual feature of Bampton life at that date. "

So - yes, a couple of hundred years at the outside for a handful of sides. Hardly a widely practiced ancient tradition. Even if it were so there is certainly no evidence of whether the dancers took it seriously or, as we do, as a trivial pastime! Which reminds me...

When it comes down to it, Morris (or Folk Music or Football for that matter) is indeed a trivial pursuit. It will never stop famine or save lives. It may help a few people get together for a social gathering but it is hardly world news is it? Maybe some people do take it too seriously after all?

Cheers

D.