VIDEO: DESPITE overcast skies the unique Bawming the Thorn ceremony at Appleton Thorn, Warrington managed to dodge the showers.
Appleton Thorn is the only village in England where the “Bawming of the Thorn” ceremony takes place each June.
The thorn tree which stands beside the local church is believed to be an offshoot of the Glastonbury Thorn, which grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea. Adam de Dutton, a knight of the crusades and local landowner, brought it to Appleton Thorn.
Bawming – decorating of the tree with flowers and ribbons, takes place each year while pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School dance and sing the Bawming song.
The Thorn tree is now designated one of just fifty great British Trees after being nominated by co-founder and original lanldord of the village hall to commemorate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.
A tree is said to have grown at the spot since 1178, although ther current one is a relative newcomer.
This year’s event was officially launched by local vicar Revd Alan Jewall, who was attending his first bawming ceremony.
Thelwall Morrismen
Guest speaker Revd Alan Jewell
Knight Alex Buckley and Page Adam Power
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