Dunmow Flitch

A smiling couple bring home the bacon after successfully impressing a mock court during an ancient folk custom in Essex.

The Great Dunmow Flitch has been performed in Essex since the reign of Henry III. It requires married couples to prove they have not repented of their marriage in the previous 12 months and one day. Should they satisfy a judge and jury, made up of six local man and six local woman, they receive a flitch – an entire side – of bacon. This film shows one such ceremony, with marching band, mock court and the tears of a successful couple. The ceremony is still held every four years.