The Straw Bear

On todays show we go looking for the Straw Bear of Whittlesea, an annual winter custom set deep in the Cambridgeshire Fenlands. No one quite knows where the bear comes from or how it even began but we do know that it was banned in the 19th century as it was seen as a form of begging. A person or driver is wrapped completely in Straw, head to toe, and danced around the town to celebrate Plough Monday. After the revival it's now seen as something of enormous pride for the local population, bringing in people and Morris sides from all over the country. Expect sub zero temperatures, Woodwo's and plenty of Osses! Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.