The Maypole

There has been a Maypole in the village from at least 1817, when it was mentioned in an Enclosure Award. A new Maypole was erected in 1848 and replaced in 1884 by a Maypole provided by Lord Hothfield of Appleby Castle. This Maypole was replaced by a 77 foot high one in 1908, again donated by Lord Hothfield. In addition to crowning a May Queen other events included a procession, morris dancing, wrestling, blindfold cutting down of a ham, obstacle, potato and sack races. A dance would round off the May Day celebrations. Part of May Day Festivals at one time was a lying competition when competitors told the most unlikely stories. The winner was awarded a grindstone, apparently to keep the wits sharp. The story goes that a Bishop arrived during one May Day celebration in Temple Sowerby and condemned it in public, stating that he had never told a lie in his life. He was immediately awarded first prize!

In 1960 a Maypole Committee was formed to raise funds for a new Maypole. The estimate of £80 was proving too costly, however the National Trust were approached and donated a 65 foot Larch. The Boazman family from Millrigg kindly donated the Weather Vane. This Maypole was erected on 27th May 1961. When this Maypole was replaced in 2000 the old Maypole was made into commemorative wooden apples and pears. A sandstone plaque marks the site of this Maypole as the Millenium Maypole was moved to a new site on the same green. The Millenium Maypole was erected with the help of Norweb and funded by a Millenium Grant from Eden District Council. A dedication ceremony was held on Millennium Day, 8th July 2000, for the Millenium Maypole. A commemorative stone was laid at the original position of the Maypole. The new 65 foot Maypole was topped with the now refurbished Weathervane, which had had 2000 added to it. Children of the village were presented with a Millenium Mug showing scenes from around Temple Sowerby. A time capsule prepared by the Village School was buried at the base of the Maypole. The Children depicted memorable events from the Twentieth Century. There are also photos and a video of the village in the capsule, along with three old pennies that were discovered when the old Maypole was removed. A Tea Dance was held followed by a Children’s Disco. Later a barbecue and partying into the early hours rounded off the day’s celebrations.