IV.—LAMB-ALES.
In the early part of the present century Whitsun-ales were somewhat common in the neighbourhood of Oxford, but I have no remembrance of any but one Lamb-ale, which was held annually, at Kirtlington, a village about nine miles north of Oxford.
In Strutt's Sports and Pastimes, 1867, p. 358, it is stated that "on the Monday after the Whitsun-week, at Kidlington in Oxfordshire, a fat lamb was provided, and the maidens of the town, having their thumbs tied behind them, were permitted to run after it, and she who with her mouth took hold of the lamb was declared the 'lady of the lamb'; which being killed and cleaned, but with the skin hanging upon it, was carried on a long pole before the lady and her companions to the green, attended with music, a morisco dance of men and another of women. The rest of the day was spent in mirth and merry glee. Next day the lamb, partly baked, partly boiled, and partly roasted, was served up for the lady's feast, where she sat 'majestically at the upper end of the table, and her companions with her,' the music playing during the repast, which being finished the solemnity ended."
This statement, with very trifling variations, is also given in Brand's Popular Antiquities and several other works on such subjects, but is altogether a mis-statement. The name of Kidlington is given for Kirtlington, the two villages being about four miles apart: the story of the maidens catching the lamb with their teeth is doubtless a mere made-up tale, and I can only account for its having passed so long without contradiction from its apparent absurdity rendering it unnecessary for those of the neighbourhood. However, a description of the Kirtlington lamb-ale, and how it was conducted, may be interesting and set this question in a proper light. This I hope to do fairly, as my remembrance will go back over seventy years; and I am kindly assisted by a native, and long-resident of the village, an observer, and well qualified to aid in the task.
The "lamb-ale" was held in a large barn, with a grass field contiguous for public dancing, &c.; this was fitted up with great pains as
