The Marshfield Mummers

The 'Town' Crier' leads the Marsfield Mummers along the High Street

The ‘Town’ Crier’ leads the Marsfield Mummers along the High Street

I don’t normally work on Boxing Day however this year I was invited to photograph the Marshfield Mummers as they prepared for their annual performance.

Mummer's costume case

Mummer’s costume case

The history of the Marshfield Mummers goes back more than two hundred years. The Mummers themselves are played by men local to the area, their identity is concealed by a costume made from torn strips of newspaper and cloth.

English Turpentine, used in the play for healing

English Turpentine, used in the play for healing

Getting into costume

Getting into costume

Typically, Marshfield is a sleepy village on the southern edge of the Cotswolds however on Boxing Day the pavements are packed with visitors who have come to see the annual performance.

The short 3 minute play is repeated a number of times along the High Street, between performances the Mummers walk in procession led by the ‘Town Crier’.

About to perform

About to perform

The audience is invited to make a charitable donation to the Mummers, the money collected supports local projects. Many believe that a donation to the Mummers brings good luck for the following year. To read more about the Marshfield Mummers follow this link.

'Saucy Jack' a character from the Marshfield Mummers Christmas play

‘Saucy Jack’ a character from the Marshfield Mummers Christmas play

'Beelzebub' Marshfield Mummers

‘Beelzebub’ Marshfield Mummers

One Response to “The Marshfield Mummers”

  1. 'Saucy Jack' - Nigel Goldsmith photography and videography

    […] The Marshfield Mummers continue an ancient tradition every year on Boxing Day along the High Street in Marshfield near Bath. The image below is of ‘Saucy Jack’ who carries his family on his back. Other characters include King William, Tenpenny Nit, Beelzebub and Dr Fennix. There are more images in this earlier post  […]

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