July- Rushbearing time

July is Rushbearing time in Ambleside and Grasmere. Dating back centuries, this ancient custom is still very much part of the annual village calendar.

Ambleside Rushbearing is Saturday 1 July. For more information click through this link.

Our sons went to junior school in Ambleside, and we took part , walking around the village with our bearings, every year.

This year I'll be joining in with Grasmere Rushbearing on Saturday 8 July.There are differences between the two villages and their traditions, but at heart they both date back to the days when church floors were made of mud and soil. The fresh rushes ( reeds) were picked in  July and laid on the flors of the church to generate a sweet smell and softer floor.

Grasmere has the "Rushbearing Maidens". As you can see from these photos, thing haven't changed all that much over the years.

You can see the Rushbearing Maidens in both photos, wearing the same dresses.

Fingers crossed for good weather this year for our Rushbearing processions.