|
Winsford
Shopping
Industrial Estate
Salt
Local History
The Flashes
Small Businesses
Legends & Myths
Ex-Winsfordians
Winsford's
Forum
| |
In a county as old as Cheshire, there are many traditions and legends.
Some are pertinent to Winsford.
 | There is a legend linked to St Chads Church; the people of Over were good and would
not worship the Devil. He became angry with them and stole their church,
his intention was to take it far away, but the monks remembered the Devil hated
to hear church bells ringing and so rang the Abbey bells. The people of
Over were praying and their church landed safely, where it is now, a mile from
town, hidden away, down a lane off Swanlow Lane. |
| A tradition of the Over Fair seems to have profited the locals rather than
the visitors; tolls were set up, unofficially of course, at the town's
entrance for those arriving to sell at the fair. This toll was either
paid or the unfortunate seller was placed in a 'chair' and deposited in the
pillory. Here a last chance to pay was offered. If declined, the
pillory held them to face public ridicule, and were probably pelted with
rotting fruit and vegetables. |
| At this same fair it was traditional for the mayor and his party of
friends to "walk through", following a band and the town's bailiff
who was carrying the silver mace. They were supported by
spearmen. After a slow procession they headed off to a large dinner at
the best inn in town. |
| Another day celebrated in a way peculiar to Winsford, was Good Friday; on
this day every child was presented with a new ball. No one seems to
know why or how this started, and I have never heard of it happening
anywhere else. |
| Yet another old Cheshire custom was known as "souling"; this
meant walking from house to house singing a 'special' begging song.
By all accounts the soulers of Over went one step further to become even
more spooky and blacked their faces with boot polish. This happened on
All Souls Day, but ceased during the 1950's. Of course nowadays Trick
or Treat has overtaken this fun, but on Halloween. |
Contact Information
If you wish to get in touch for any reason please send an e-mail to time.graphics@winsford.net
|
in
the heart of Cheshire.
