Cottage, West Green, Barrington (RGL 2022)

West Green, Barrington

History of cottage West Green

1940 05 03
A Centuries-old ceremony. The ancient ceremony, known locally as “walking the causey” (causeway) was solemnly carried out (at Barrington) last Sunday. The ceremony, which is said to date from time immemorial, is closely allied to that known as “Beating the bounds.” The Barrington beater, however, operates only upon the village green (an area of nearly 30 acres) and not around the parish boundary, as is customary in some places. Barrington’s official “walker” is now Mr. Fred Patman, and a few minutes after ten o’clock on Sunday morning he appeared clad in a frock coat, gorgeous waistcoat and a silk “topper,” carrying a sword, said to be Roman, and a monster bell, gagged this year because of wartime conditions and ARP conditions about bell- ringing. Starting from the south-western end of the green, he walked with stately stride along the old cobbled pathway across the green to the church, making “official” proclamations en route, and knocking at the door of an old thatched house, once the town hall, but now renovated and a private residence, his progress towards the church being witnessed by many villagers. Among the visiting spectators this year were Mr. Jubal Howard Howard, and Mr. P. R. Salmon, of Melbourn, students of local history and folklore 40 05 03 (Mike Petty)