Mummers’ plays were an important part of Christmas for many agricultural labourers in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. These seem to be first recorded in the mid 18^th century and although there are medieval precedents the connections between the two are uncertain. The later ones provided an opportunity for poorly paid labourers to make some extra income by taking their play around the houses of local farmers and gentry where they would normally receive food, drink and some money.

The characters included a hero, often St. George or King George, his adversary, often a Turkish Knight, a doctor, a fool and a narrator, often Father Christmas in later versions, and a character who collects the money at the conclusion. Normally the Turkish Knight is killed by St. George and revived or resurrected by the doctor. There are many elements in the plays, both pagan and Christian and the plays and the names of characters may have changed from generation to generation.

The Salisbury Mummers, c. 1932
Ref: P7940

The plays, normally each village would have its own version, were kept alive by ordinary people who had an interest in being able to supplement their wages once a year. Many did not survive the First World War although in Wiltshire mumming plays were still being performed at Alton Barnes in 1930 and at Shrewton in 1936.

This year an adapted version of the Limpley Stoke Mummers’ play is being performed as the Peaceful Gudgeon Mummers Play on Saturday 18 December at 7.00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Without, Broad Street, Bath. Please 'read more' to find out more'...

Tickets £8.00 adults, £2.00 children

See www.candyverney.co.uk or phone 01225 571099

Profits go to Drug & Homeless Initiative, Bath, and Sisema Scotland

Words and characters of the original play, and quite a few other Wiltshire ones, can be found in the Folk/Arts section on our Wiltshire Community History web site at http://history.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/folk_play_search.php

The depostion of Alfred Savin, who went to perform as a Christmas Boy at the Swan Public House, Chippenham, in December 1850. He had his pistol stolen whilst he was there - he was aged just 15!
Ref: A1/145/1850H

William Morris the founder of the Swindon Advertiser, writing in 1885 about pre-railway Swindon, says that the Mummers were to be found in every town and village of North Wilts – six or eight men in various disguises – and that they would also visit public houses as well as private ones. His father was the Swindon bookseller and at the onset of winter was always besieged by people wanting Mummers’ books, but of course there were none. The only way to learn was to get an old Mummer to constantly repeat the words and learn them by heart.

Page from ‘The Novels used by the Mummers at Potterne in the years between 1874 & 1889’. Taken down by A. Buchanan from the memory and the dictation of Charles Underwood who was many years a member of their company, 1893.

Ref: 1172/192

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A Wiltshire Christmas Past