Brief History of Tradition

Morris was danced in Adderbury unbroken until 1849. The side was eventually disbanded in 1880.  Details were recorded by Janet Blunt, Cecil Sharp, and others, from discussions mainly with William Walton (a former Squire), from 1900 onwards. As some aspects of what was recorded are unclear, this has led to the so called 'interpretation debate'.

Most of the dances had words which were sung between dances as well as during.  The music was always by pipe and tabor.

The tradition was revived in 1974 from the Sharp and Blunt manuscripts, and first danced publicly in 1975. It was introduced to the Icknield Way Morris Men in the late 70s by Old Boy Arthur Wright who was a member of the revival team.

Dances Performed by Our Side

Handkerchief Dances	Stick Dances
Black Joke Stourton Wake	Beaux of London City / Shooting Bluebells of Scotland Constant Billy Happy Man Lads a' Bunchum Postman's Knock Sweet Jenny Jones The Bell

Song Dance

Postman's Knock example of a song dance from Adderbury

Chorus: Every morning as true as the clock, somebody hears the postman's knock Every morning as true as the clock, somebody hears the postman's knock Verse for Foot Up and Half Gip: A wonderful man the postman is, he travels from door to door A medley of news his hands contain for everyone rich or poor; On every face a joy he can trace, on many a grief he can see, Just open the door to his ratatatat and his rapid delivery Chorus: Verse for Half Gip and Foot Down: At 1 he presents the news of a birth, and tidings of death number 4 At 13 a bill of terrible length he drops through a hole in the door; A cheque or an order at 15 he leaves while 16 his presence doth prove At 17 doth an acknowledgement get and 18 a letter of love Chorus: