Adderbury

Traditions

- Adderbury

Adderbury
Location: North of Oxford and some 4 miles South of Banbury on the A423

Brief History of Tradition

Morris was danced in Adderbury unbroken until 1849. The side was eventually disbanded in 1880. Details were recorded by Janet Blunt, Cecil Sharp, and others, from discussions mainly with William Walton (a former Squire), from 1900 onwards. As some aspects of what was recorded are unclear, this has led to the so called 'interpretation debate'.

Most of the dances had words which were sung between dances as well as during. The music was always by pipe and tabor.

The tradition was revived in 1974 from the Sharp and Blunt manuscripts, and first danced publicly in 1975. It was introduced to the Icknield Way Morris Men in the late 70s by Old Boy Arthur Wright who was a member of the revival team.

Dances Performed by Our Side

Handkerchief Dances

Stick Dances

Black Joke
Stourton Wake

Beaux of London City / Shooting
Bluebells of Scotland
Constant Billy
Happy Man
Lads a' Bunchum
Postman's Knock
Sweet Jenny Jones
The Bell
Washing Day

Song Dance

Postman's Knock
example of a song dance from Adderbury

Chorus:

Every morning as true as the clock, somebody hears the postman's knock
Every morning as true as the clock, somebody hears the postman's knock

Verse for Foot Up and Half Gip:

A wonderful man the postman is, he travels from door to door
A medley of news his hands contain for everyone rich or poor;
On every face a joy he can trace, on many a grief he can see,
Just open the door to his ratatatat and his rapid delivery

Chorus:

Verse for Half Gip and Foot Down:

At 1 he presents the news of a birth, and tidings of death number 4
At 13 a bill of terrible length he drops through a hole in the door;
A cheque or an order at 15 he leaves while 16 his presence doth prove
At 17 doth an acknowledgement get and 18 a letter of love

Chorus:

Characteristic Features of Tradition

Notation

Glossary of Terms

GENERAL

Normal figures

x2FU, HG, PD, PU, HR and AddH.

Start

Normally face the music and walk round following a chord; sometimes singing. Sticks are held down pointing slightly in. Dance into place.

Hand/Arm Movements

Traditionally, opposite corners of the handkerchiefs were knotted over thumb and index finger. The pattern traced has been described as phallic in appearance