Alvey: Derbyshire Customs

From Well Dressing to Garland Day and even elephants in Alfreton - a celebration of the traditional customs of Derbyshire in this reel from amateur filmmaker Fred Alvey.

As is typical for home movies this reel was shot by Fred Alvey over several years in the 1960s. At this time farming was still important but tourism was on the increase. From the Derbyshire County Show held at Elvaston in 1961 to cars flooding into the picturesque village of Tissington for the well dressing festival of 1962, this film shows how the county had become a serious draw for holidaymakers and day-trippers by the early 1960s.

Well Dressing is synonymous with Derbyshire and is said to be traceable back to outbreaks of the Black Death in the 14th century. Many areas still practising the custom do so however thanks to 19th or 20th century revivals. The Garland Day celebrations in Castleton commemorate the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660.