The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
This film is currently unavailable
Video Player is loading.
Ashbourne Shrovetide Football
Join the rough and tumble of the annual Shrovetide football match in Ashbourne - that's if you can see the ball amongst the brawling mass of limbs.
From the collection of:
Overview
ATV Today really went to town for the 1974 Shrovetide football match in Ashbourne, sending two reporters to get different angles on the game. Peter Green is on hand to talk to Shrovetide veterans who try to outdo each other with their tales of past battles and goals whilst the more intrepid Chris Tarrant braves the cold of the River Henmore and pitches into the battle: "Some bloke keeps kicking me in the groin...".
As with many ancient customs the origins of Ashbourne's Shrovetide football is obscure, with claims of its roots dating back to the 12th Century. What is certain is that two teams from the town do battle: the up'ards and the down'ards. The up'ards are made up of people who were born north of the River Henmore and the down'ards from the southern side. They do battle over two days attempting to 'goal' the ball, generally relying on a moving scrum (the 'hug') to reach their objective. Two mills were traditionally used for the goals but by the time this film was shot only one was still standing: Sturston Mill, which has also since been demolished.
Related
Watch for free
Ashbourne Horse Show 1936 Ashbourne Horse Show 1936
Home movie 1936 2 mins Silent Location: Ashbourne
Immaculate horses paraded by proud farmers on an important day in the Derbyshire farming calendar.
Watch for free
Derbyshire Red Cross Flying Column Derbyshire Red Cross Flying Column
Amateur film 1942 16 mins Silent Location: Ashbourne
The Flying Column of the Derbyshire Red Cross takes its vital blood collection service onto the road with a visit to Ashbourne.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Tangerine New Perspectives: Tangerine
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Harry Wallace, a student at Northumbria university, explains why Sean Baker's LA-set comedy-drama, about a transgender sex worker on the hunt for her cheating -ex, is worth your time.
Watch for free
Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode
Inside Film 2025 44 mins
Daniel Craig talks to Mark Kermode about his acting career, from his early role in Love is the Devil through to the Luca Guadagnino directed Queer.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Watch for free
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.