2015 Penny Hedge

The planting of the Penny Hedge is a custom that dates back to 1159 and takes place in Whitby Harbour on the eve of Ascension Day annually. It is a penance for some noblemen who attacked a monk. A hedge (also called a hurdle), is made out of branches taken from a wood in the manor of Fyling. This has to withstand three tides. It takes place at 9am on Church Street, almost opposite the Middle Earth Tavern.
Whitby Penny Hedge Ceremony 2015 was a race against time ….and tide. The North Sea was higher than than usual on Acension Eve morning and it kept coming. When the traditional Hornblower failed to turn up, the Bailiff, Lol Hodgson, completed the annual construction of the hedge single handedly - and wet footed. Fortunately, Moira Clarke, musician for the Redcar Sword team, was spectating and was recruited to blow ‘ye ancient horn’,. This she dutifully did … History was made!
Thanks to Jill Pidd for the close up footageof the horn blowing.
Filmed by : www.docrowe.or...