VIDEO: APPLETON Thorn’s ancient tradition of Bawming the Thorn was blessed with glorious sunshine as villagers turned back the clock to 1178.
Special guest at the event which dates back to medieval times was local historian Mark Olly, who officially opened the event for the second times in three years at the only village in the country where the “Bawming the Thorn” ceremony takes place.
The thorn tree, which stands beside the local church, is believed to be an offshoot from the Glastonbury thorn which grew from the staff of Joseph.
Adam de Dutton, a knight of the crusades and local landowner brought it to Appleton Thorn in 1178, although the current tree is a relative newcomer.
Bawming involves decorating the tree with flowers and ribbons, with local school children performing the bawming dance.
Pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School re-enacted the bawming dance with pupils Ollie Chase taking the role of Knight and Sam Skivington as Page.
The event takes place each year led thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers led by Nora Carlin.
