Festive flashback to the Middle Ages

Festive flashback to the Middle Ages

*Festive flashback to the Middle Ages *
22 December 2006
Yorkshire Post

Christmas is supposed to be a time for goodwill to all. And so it was
centuries ago, when all the vagabonds and undesirables usually locked
outside York's bar walls were granted a festive amnesty to come into the
city during the 12 days of Christmas.

The medieval tradition, revived by living history musicians York Waits
more than 20 years ago, was observed last night with a procession
through the city. Lord Mayor Janet Hopton and sheriff Richard Baldwin
joined the festivities, starting at Micklegate Bar, where the Yule
Girthol, the seasonal declaration, was proclaimed.

Last night's "Sheriff's Riding" combines two medieval traditions - the
Yule Riding, just before Christmas, and the Sheriff's Riding, which took
place earlier in the month and was a beating of the bounds ceremony
without music.

The civic party and musicians processed through the city centre, passing
late-night shoppers, to Monk Bar, past the West Front of the Minster and
on to Bootham Bar before their final stop at the Mansion House, the Lord
Mayor's residence, to be greeted with hot, seasonal refreshments.