Flitch Trials, Essex

FlitchTrials_JohnVNicholls

The gift of a side of bacon may seem a quirky way to celebrate a year’s happy marriage.
Not so during the Dunmow Flitch Trials.

This centuries-old tradition sees couples who have been married for at least a year and a day try to convince a judge and jury that they have not wished themselves unmarried again in that time.

Successful pairs are then carried shoulder high in the ancient flitch chair to the market place where they take an oath and are presented with their prize.

It certainly lends a whole new meaning to the phrase bringing home the bacon.

The Flitch Trials are held every four years in Great Dunmow, Essex. The next event will be held in July 2012.

Written by

Readers who enjoyed
this article also liked:

  • Giffords Circus, England

    Giffords is no ordinary circus. It’s a wild Bohemian party with a feelgood factor that takes you through the roof of its very small Big Top.

  • YHA Christmas, England

    The idea of dormitories, bunk beds, queues for breakfast and communal TV rooms may not give you a glowy Christmas feeling, but you’d be surprised.

  • Camel wrestling, Turkey

    Cockfights, dogfights and bearfights might be out of fashion, but camel wrestling is a whole different animal – and one very much alive and kicking.

Discuss