MAY DAYS IN BURLEY
May Day celebrations were apparently carried out in Burley until the late 1860's, and took place at Shappen Bottom.
According to Hardcastle (p 137) May Queens included Mary Sims (1854), Elizabeth Browning (1858), Kate Etheridge and Mary Ann King (1864-7).
The role of "Jack in the Green" was played for a number of years by John Bromfield, the postman for 20 years from Vereley.
For more information on Jack in the Green: HISTORY OF JACK IN THE GREEN REVIVAL OF JACK IN THE GREEN |
May Day in the New Forest 1852 (The Illustrated London News, May 8th 1852):- “At three o’clock, the children, numbering 140, came upon the lawn, preceded by an excellent brass band, and accompanied by W Clement D Esdaile, Esq., of Burley Park; and Mrs Laurence Hill, of Burley Lawn; the organisers of the fete”. (Page on Lawrence Hill and family here).
Article transcribed from THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, 8th MAY, 1852:-
MAY DAY IN THE NEW FOREST
The little village of Burley, in the New Forest, Hampshire, was the scene of a very interesting festivity on Saturday last, the 1st of May; and whilst we reflected on the pretty scene which there surround us, we rejoiced that our pages might still further extend this pleasure by illustration, and be perhaps the means of stimulating some of the richer inhabitants of such localities, in future years, to adopt a somewhat similar celebration of May-day; and show how trifling expense, trouble, and good management may insure much happiness to a class who enjoy but little of the sweets of this life.
Burley is delightfully situated in one of the loveliest parts of the New Forest, the prettiest spot in which was selected for the day’s pleasure and amusement to the children belonging to the church and chapel schools. And here we would express our gratification at finding the promoters of the fete permitted no sectarian views of their own to induce their favouring one class of children above another.
This lovely spot is known to the foresters as Shappen-bottom. It is a long-extended lawn, the smooth grass of which appeared more luxuriant in contrast with the heath and furse, the bright and golden blossom of which added not a little to the enchantment of the scene; bounded by gently rising eminences, and shaded here and there by beeches varied by the darker hue of holly, which were growing in pretty knolls about the hills. A Maypole was erected in the centre of the lawn, tastefully decorated with green and garlands; and at a little distance was a tent, wherein cake, buns, oranges, gingerbread, &c. were most liberally distributed.
At three o’clock, the children, numbering 140, came upon the lawn, preceded by an excellent brass band, and accompanied by W. Clement D. Esdaile, Esq., of Burley Park; and Mrs. Lawrence Hill, of Burley Lawn; organisers of the fete.
The May Queen, chosen by lot from the three best girls of each school, walked under a muslin canopy tastefully decorated, and surrounded by a floral crown, supported by her four maids of honour.
Many visitors from Ringwood, the neighbouring town, and Burley, with the parents of the children, conduced to make a large assemblage. A dance round the Maypole was commenced, whilst its outspreading ornaments of natural form and growth, in the shape of boughs and branches of evergreen, interspersed with the stag-horn, characteristic of the Forest, were hung around with sundry little presents to be afterwards distributed, that no child might go empty-handed from the gay scene.
The amusement was diversified by the approach of a “Jack-in-the-Green,” who danced to the lively strain of two cornopeans.
After a plentiful supply of cake and tea, the children were addressed by the Rev. C. H. Matarin, vicar of Ringwood, and the Rev. Benjamin Matarin, the curate. They took the opportunity of imparting very excellent advice – in terms so simple, that the youngest child might understand: and in matter so important, that the oldest present might with profit take it to himself.
Thanks were proposed to Mr. Esdaile, who, though a resident of Burley Park of but six months, has already, by his active benevolence, endeared to himself all the inhabitants of the village. Rustic games followed , and not only kept the children, but their older participants, till the lengthening shades of evening warned them to depart. Before separating, however, the various presents were distributed; and we saw nicely-dressed dolls, bookmarks, housewifes, bags, with other gifts, carried away by happy girls; from which we what we afterwards learned, that the fair hands of many ladies of the place had not been inactive in this labour of love. Ninepins, balls, bags of marbles, tops, &c. were distributed amongst the boys. To the Queen of the May a nicely-bound Bible was presented by Mrs Esdaile; in handing which the husband of the lady made a very subtle address, reminding one and all of the children assembled, that, however happy the day may have been to them, such happiness, at the most, was but for a reason; that true joy was to be found in the path of righteousness, and the book he then presented would direct the way to treasures that faded not, to the peace which the world cannot give, and to the happiness which will endure for ever.
The band, which had played with great spirit during the games, concluded the entertainment with the National Anthem. The weather was most propitious, the sun shining brightly. The children’s holiday was made a general one; and the clean, neat, and tidy appearance of the dwellers of the New Forest, contrasted strongly with the pale and careworn countenances, &c. of the dwellers of the crowded town to which we were about to return.
Burley is delightfully situated in one of the loveliest parts of the New Forest, the prettiest spot in which was selected for the day’s pleasure and amusement to the children belonging to the church and chapel schools. And here we would express our gratification at finding the promoters of the fete permitted no sectarian views of their own to induce their favouring one class of children above another.
This lovely spot is known to the foresters as Shappen-bottom. It is a long-extended lawn, the smooth grass of which appeared more luxuriant in contrast with the heath and furse, the bright and golden blossom of which added not a little to the enchantment of the scene; bounded by gently rising eminences, and shaded here and there by beeches varied by the darker hue of holly, which were growing in pretty knolls about the hills. A Maypole was erected in the centre of the lawn, tastefully decorated with green and garlands; and at a little distance was a tent, wherein cake, buns, oranges, gingerbread, &c. were most liberally distributed.
At three o’clock, the children, numbering 140, came upon the lawn, preceded by an excellent brass band, and accompanied by W. Clement D. Esdaile, Esq., of Burley Park; and Mrs. Lawrence Hill, of Burley Lawn; organisers of the fete.
The May Queen, chosen by lot from the three best girls of each school, walked under a muslin canopy tastefully decorated, and surrounded by a floral crown, supported by her four maids of honour.
Many visitors from Ringwood, the neighbouring town, and Burley, with the parents of the children, conduced to make a large assemblage. A dance round the Maypole was commenced, whilst its outspreading ornaments of natural form and growth, in the shape of boughs and branches of evergreen, interspersed with the stag-horn, characteristic of the Forest, were hung around with sundry little presents to be afterwards distributed, that no child might go empty-handed from the gay scene.
The amusement was diversified by the approach of a “Jack-in-the-Green,” who danced to the lively strain of two cornopeans.
After a plentiful supply of cake and tea, the children were addressed by the Rev. C. H. Matarin, vicar of Ringwood, and the Rev. Benjamin Matarin, the curate. They took the opportunity of imparting very excellent advice – in terms so simple, that the youngest child might understand: and in matter so important, that the oldest present might with profit take it to himself.
Thanks were proposed to Mr. Esdaile, who, though a resident of Burley Park of but six months, has already, by his active benevolence, endeared to himself all the inhabitants of the village. Rustic games followed , and not only kept the children, but their older participants, till the lengthening shades of evening warned them to depart. Before separating, however, the various presents were distributed; and we saw nicely-dressed dolls, bookmarks, housewifes, bags, with other gifts, carried away by happy girls; from which we what we afterwards learned, that the fair hands of many ladies of the place had not been inactive in this labour of love. Ninepins, balls, bags of marbles, tops, &c. were distributed amongst the boys. To the Queen of the May a nicely-bound Bible was presented by Mrs Esdaile; in handing which the husband of the lady made a very subtle address, reminding one and all of the children assembled, that, however happy the day may have been to them, such happiness, at the most, was but for a reason; that true joy was to be found in the path of righteousness, and the book he then presented would direct the way to treasures that faded not, to the peace which the world cannot give, and to the happiness which will endure for ever.
The band, which had played with great spirit during the games, concluded the entertainment with the National Anthem. The weather was most propitious, the sun shining brightly. The children’s holiday was made a general one; and the clean, neat, and tidy appearance of the dwellers of the New Forest, contrasted strongly with the pale and careworn countenances, &c. of the dwellers of the crowded town to which we were about to return.
YouTube video about Cornopeans: CORNOPEANS
Article transcribed from THE HAMPSHIRE ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1855:-
INTERESTING FESTIVITIES IN THE NEW FOREST
Saturday last, May 12th, the charming little village of Burley, in this neighbourhood, was the scene of a most joyous and interesting festivity. By dint of great exertion and perseverance sufficient funds had been raised during the past year to erect substantial and commodious school premises, two acres of Forest land have been granted by the Lords of the Treasury as a site, and a liberal grant procured from the Committee of the Privy Council, and, after much labour on the part of the promoters of the school, from one source and another, money has been collected to enable them to complete the happy work which they had taken in hand. It was to celebrate the opening of these new school premises that the festivities we have mentioned were got up.
Burley is a rural spot, situated in the middle of the New Forest and surrounded with lovely Forest scenery, but the road by which it is approached from Ringwood lies over a barren heath, and the sudden change from wild sterility to cultivated fields and flourishing plantations is striking and refreshing to the eye.
The first signs of something more than usual being afloat, was the waiving of a flag from the tower of the new Manor House, now nearly completed, the seat of Clement Esdaile, esq, the proprietor of the manor. This building is designed by the same architect who has had the erection of the school under his care, and is of brick with Bath stone window dressings, and in the Gothic style of architecture; its elevation is remarkably well adapted for the locality in which it is erected, and both outside and in it answers to the character which belongs to it, “The Manor House”.
About half a mile beyond this the school is erected, upon an elevated and healthy spot on the Forest, and around it we found a goodly collection of well-dressed and happy village folks waiting for admittance to the interior of the building. On entering we were most agreeably surprised – certainly the outside of the school house gave one reason to expect a handsome and well-proportioned room, and this it proved to be; but it was the manner in which the floral decorations were carried out that gave the chief charm to its appearance – garlands, festoons, and wreaths were most abundantly and tastefully dispersed wherever they could give effect, and numbers of little flags peeping out amongst the green foliage which dressed the walls formed a very striking scene. At one end of the room were seated about 160 children, with their May Queen in the centre (for the annual May-day rejoicings formed part of the day’s pleasure), many of them holding wands, with tastefully-made bouquets upon them, and trimmed with ribands.
In the course of a very short time the school-room was filled to crowding, and, as soon as the Vicar of Ringwood had arrived, the formal opening of the school commenced by the children singing the 100th Psalm, after which the Rev. C. H. Matarin read a simple and beautiful prayer. He then shortly addressed the assembly, forcibly dwelling upon the different points to which the occasion naturally drew attention. He impressed upon all the duty of promoting Christian education, and addressed himself in kind and winning words of advice to the managers, teachers, parents, and children of the school. The children then sang the anthem, “I will arise.” after which Mr Esdaile made a few observations upon the occasion which drew them together, briefly pointing out the difficulties which had had to be encountered in bringing the work to so happy a conclusion. He earnestly enforced the necessity of education at the present time, and emphatically declared that, unless that education was based upon religious teaching, and upon the sacred truths of the Bible, it was worse than useless. He said that although at present all that could be shown to the benevolent contributors, who had come to the aid of the village, was the building in which they then were, yet that he trusted a far more glorious result might hereafter be pointed out as the effect of their subscriptions; even many souls brought out of imminent danger for eternity, and led in the paths of holiness and peace through the happy instrumentality of school teaching.
The proceedings in the school-room closed with the Doxology; and the blessing having been pronounced by the Vicar of Ringwood, the meeting dispersed to view the procession of the children to the May-pole. If the interior of the school was beautiful, what can we say of the effect of this beautifully managed little pageant? First of all the path to the May-pole from the school runs through a charming forest glade, under ancient oaks and beech, and through groves of magnificent holly – such a bit of Nature as wants no assisting hand of art to beautify it; and then the sweet voices of the children, singing their May-day songs, as they marched along, alternating with the strains of the band that led the procession; then, again, the little rustic May Queen, under her white muslin canopy, which was so decorated with flowers as unmistakeably to show that fair hands had been there at work, supported by the elder girls of the school, as her maids of honour, and surrounded with flower girls, flags, &c. whilst every other pair of children throughout the procession bore between them ropes of flowers and garlands with which to decorate the May-pole, - all, all was inexpressibly charming, and involuntarily flung one back to thoughts of old times, when “Maying” was more in vogue than it is now. Standing on an elevation we could watch the happy line of children winding through the trees towards the green spot, where stood the pole, and the thought came upon us of the strong contrast between the peaceful and joyous show before us and the sad and fearful pageantry of war in which, possibly, many dear to those present were at the same moment engaged. (Crimean War Oct 1853-Feb 1856)
Arrived at the spot in the Forest where the May-pole stands, the children pitched their Queen’s canopy in a conspicuous place, and, ranging themselves round the pole, were not long in transferring to it, by the aid of some older hands, the floral treasures which they bore. This being done, both the pole and the Queen were inaugurated with songs for the occasion, among them being the following:-
Burley is a rural spot, situated in the middle of the New Forest and surrounded with lovely Forest scenery, but the road by which it is approached from Ringwood lies over a barren heath, and the sudden change from wild sterility to cultivated fields and flourishing plantations is striking and refreshing to the eye.
The first signs of something more than usual being afloat, was the waiving of a flag from the tower of the new Manor House, now nearly completed, the seat of Clement Esdaile, esq, the proprietor of the manor. This building is designed by the same architect who has had the erection of the school under his care, and is of brick with Bath stone window dressings, and in the Gothic style of architecture; its elevation is remarkably well adapted for the locality in which it is erected, and both outside and in it answers to the character which belongs to it, “The Manor House”.
About half a mile beyond this the school is erected, upon an elevated and healthy spot on the Forest, and around it we found a goodly collection of well-dressed and happy village folks waiting for admittance to the interior of the building. On entering we were most agreeably surprised – certainly the outside of the school house gave one reason to expect a handsome and well-proportioned room, and this it proved to be; but it was the manner in which the floral decorations were carried out that gave the chief charm to its appearance – garlands, festoons, and wreaths were most abundantly and tastefully dispersed wherever they could give effect, and numbers of little flags peeping out amongst the green foliage which dressed the walls formed a very striking scene. At one end of the room were seated about 160 children, with their May Queen in the centre (for the annual May-day rejoicings formed part of the day’s pleasure), many of them holding wands, with tastefully-made bouquets upon them, and trimmed with ribands.
In the course of a very short time the school-room was filled to crowding, and, as soon as the Vicar of Ringwood had arrived, the formal opening of the school commenced by the children singing the 100th Psalm, after which the Rev. C. H. Matarin read a simple and beautiful prayer. He then shortly addressed the assembly, forcibly dwelling upon the different points to which the occasion naturally drew attention. He impressed upon all the duty of promoting Christian education, and addressed himself in kind and winning words of advice to the managers, teachers, parents, and children of the school. The children then sang the anthem, “I will arise.” after which Mr Esdaile made a few observations upon the occasion which drew them together, briefly pointing out the difficulties which had had to be encountered in bringing the work to so happy a conclusion. He earnestly enforced the necessity of education at the present time, and emphatically declared that, unless that education was based upon religious teaching, and upon the sacred truths of the Bible, it was worse than useless. He said that although at present all that could be shown to the benevolent contributors, who had come to the aid of the village, was the building in which they then were, yet that he trusted a far more glorious result might hereafter be pointed out as the effect of their subscriptions; even many souls brought out of imminent danger for eternity, and led in the paths of holiness and peace through the happy instrumentality of school teaching.
The proceedings in the school-room closed with the Doxology; and the blessing having been pronounced by the Vicar of Ringwood, the meeting dispersed to view the procession of the children to the May-pole. If the interior of the school was beautiful, what can we say of the effect of this beautifully managed little pageant? First of all the path to the May-pole from the school runs through a charming forest glade, under ancient oaks and beech, and through groves of magnificent holly – such a bit of Nature as wants no assisting hand of art to beautify it; and then the sweet voices of the children, singing their May-day songs, as they marched along, alternating with the strains of the band that led the procession; then, again, the little rustic May Queen, under her white muslin canopy, which was so decorated with flowers as unmistakeably to show that fair hands had been there at work, supported by the elder girls of the school, as her maids of honour, and surrounded with flower girls, flags, &c. whilst every other pair of children throughout the procession bore between them ropes of flowers and garlands with which to decorate the May-pole, - all, all was inexpressibly charming, and involuntarily flung one back to thoughts of old times, when “Maying” was more in vogue than it is now. Standing on an elevation we could watch the happy line of children winding through the trees towards the green spot, where stood the pole, and the thought came upon us of the strong contrast between the peaceful and joyous show before us and the sad and fearful pageantry of war in which, possibly, many dear to those present were at the same moment engaged. (Crimean War Oct 1853-Feb 1856)
Arrived at the spot in the Forest where the May-pole stands, the children pitched their Queen’s canopy in a conspicuous place, and, ranging themselves round the pole, were not long in transferring to it, by the aid of some older hands, the floral treasures which they bore. This being done, both the pole and the Queen were inaugurated with songs for the occasion, among them being the following:-
THE BURLEY MAY-DAY SONG
In happy hours we’ve gathered flowers
To wreath the May-pole gay,
And now we come from many a home
To welcome back the May.
Then brightly shine, thou golden sun,
Upon this happy day;
And as we go sweet flowers we throw
Before our Queen of May.
The woods rejoice with Nature’s voice,
The streamlets murmur clear;
With sweeter sounds the air resounds,
For happy hearts are here.
Then brightly shine, &c.
* * * *
These flowers so bright, ‘ere morning light,
May fade and fall away;
But bands of love will stronger prove
Than those we wreathe to-day.
Then brightly shine, &c.
THE BURLEY ROYAL MAY-DAY SONG
Sing we a loyal song,
Join heart and tuneful tongue-
Hail! Rustic Queen.
On this our festal day,
To the young Queen of May,
Hail! Rustic Queen.
Come children, great and small,
Come, children, cry we all,
Hail! Queen of May.
Garlands and flowers bring,
Before her path to fling,
While we all loudly sing –
Hail! Queen of May.
An emblem may this day
Be of her future way;
May she be blessed!
May thus many a friend,
And happy faces lend’
Joy to her latest end;
May she be blessed!
Her soldiers, peace and love;
Her riches, from above:
Long may she live!
Learn’d in her Bible lore:
Strong in faith, boundless store;
Trav’lling to Heaven’s shore –
Long may she live!
In happy hours we’ve gathered flowers
To wreath the May-pole gay,
And now we come from many a home
To welcome back the May.
Then brightly shine, thou golden sun,
Upon this happy day;
And as we go sweet flowers we throw
Before our Queen of May.
The woods rejoice with Nature’s voice,
The streamlets murmur clear;
With sweeter sounds the air resounds,
For happy hearts are here.
Then brightly shine, &c.
* * * *
These flowers so bright, ‘ere morning light,
May fade and fall away;
But bands of love will stronger prove
Than those we wreathe to-day.
Then brightly shine, &c.
THE BURLEY ROYAL MAY-DAY SONG
Sing we a loyal song,
Join heart and tuneful tongue-
Hail! Rustic Queen.
On this our festal day,
To the young Queen of May,
Hail! Rustic Queen.
Come children, great and small,
Come, children, cry we all,
Hail! Queen of May.
Garlands and flowers bring,
Before her path to fling,
While we all loudly sing –
Hail! Queen of May.
An emblem may this day
Be of her future way;
May she be blessed!
May thus many a friend,
And happy faces lend’
Joy to her latest end;
May she be blessed!
Her soldiers, peace and love;
Her riches, from above:
Long may she live!
Learn’d in her Bible lore:
Strong in faith, boundless store;
Trav’lling to Heaven’s shore –
Long may she live!
This was followed by dancing round the May-pole, and all sorts of fun. Cake and tea were provided in a tent close at hand for the children, to which, of course, ample justice was done, especially to a glorious-looking pile of sugared exterior, specially set opposite to the Queen. Then followed catches and other songs, sung admirably by the children, and then more games, and, fun of fun, a gigantic-looking Jack-in-the-Green.
As evening closed in, the children were collected, and, from a table furnished with all imaginable toys, kind ladies found for every child some present, as a momento of the day; the whole being concluded by Mr Esdaile presenting a handsomely-bound Bible to the Queen, an annual gift (as we understand) of the kind lady of the manor to the May Queen.
Again the procession formed for its return through the sylvan glade, and the children, having sung an evening hymn, clustered round their Queen at the front of the new school, and closed with a sonorous “God save the Queen.”
When we say that from morning to night the weather was bright and lovely, that some 400 or 500 people were gathered together (including many of the surrounding gentry and clergy), and that all passed off without he slightest contre-temps, we leave our readers to imagine whether, or not, it was a day not only to be remembered in the annals of the little Forest locality, in which we were assembled, but also a day of pure joy and happiness to every one who was fortunate enough to witness “A May-day in the New Forest.” We should add that almost all the songs, &c. were native-born, the production of Forest Muses, and copies of them were kindly presented to many of the visitors.
As evening closed in, the children were collected, and, from a table furnished with all imaginable toys, kind ladies found for every child some present, as a momento of the day; the whole being concluded by Mr Esdaile presenting a handsomely-bound Bible to the Queen, an annual gift (as we understand) of the kind lady of the manor to the May Queen.
Again the procession formed for its return through the sylvan glade, and the children, having sung an evening hymn, clustered round their Queen at the front of the new school, and closed with a sonorous “God save the Queen.”
When we say that from morning to night the weather was bright and lovely, that some 400 or 500 people were gathered together (including many of the surrounding gentry and clergy), and that all passed off without he slightest contre-temps, we leave our readers to imagine whether, or not, it was a day not only to be remembered in the annals of the little Forest locality, in which we were assembled, but also a day of pure joy and happiness to every one who was fortunate enough to witness “A May-day in the New Forest.” We should add that almost all the songs, &c. were native-born, the production of Forest Muses, and copies of them were kindly presented to many of the visitors.
Burley Manor and Burley School both designed and built by the same architect circa 1852