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OUR NEIGHBOURS.

On 14th October, 1695, at the Manorial Court, Methwold, Nicholas Baker was fined the sum of One Shilling for the offence of Smoking in the Streets.   (Gedges History of Methwold).

"23rd May, 1823. A cricket match was played at Hockwold-cum-Wilton between 11 married and 11 single females for 11 pairs of gloves. The match terminated in favour of the former. The parties were dressed in jackets and trousers tastefully decorated with blue ribbons.    (Norfolk Annals).

Centenary - The first Harvest Festival in Norfolk was held at Brooke Church on 8th Sept., 1854. It was the outcome of an attempt made by the Vicar to put an end to the so called disgraceful scenes at the close of harvest; and to the system of largess which gave rise to these scenes. Largess is described as "a gift to reapers at harvest" and is now a thing of the past. In East Anglia when harvest was finished the men would go round asking for largess; and by way of thanks would "Halloo Largess" at the very top of their voice, three times over. With the money collected, unless provided by the master, there would be a harvest supper known as a Hawkey (or Horkey). The last load of harvest was the Hawkey Load and was brought in with much joy, gaily decked with ribbons, garlands and evergreens. Sometimes it was the custom to select a young maiden to ride on the top of the Hawkey Load and to salute her as Queen of the Harvest.

Bloomfield, the Suffolk poet, says: -

Home came the jovial Horkey Load
Last of the whole year's crop
And Grace among the green boughs rode
Right plump upon the top
.

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