We want to get to know you more to help improve our service. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our survey here. Thank you! test2

This film is part of Free

Title of error

See Help

Ancient Mop Fair

The annual mop fair in Stratford-Upon-Avon, including the roasting of an ox

Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent

Overview

The 'mop fair' is an annual custom in Stratford-upon-Avon dating back to medieval times. Traditionally held in October, when labourers and apprentices would come to the town seeking work, the fair culminates in the roasting of a whole ox. All appealing fare for the newsreels - this Topical Budget item was one of several cinematic records of the events.

The mop fair, which continues to this day, was described by historian Charles G Harper in the 1930s as "an offence to people of delicate sensibilities".

Original title

Ancient Mop Fair Topical Budget 164-1

Genres

Non-Fiction

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Stratford-upon-Avon

Language

English

Subjects

Local customs

Watch for free

About Britain - Second Edition About Britain - Second Edition

Amateur film 1965 12 mins Location: London

Join the Clague family as they zoom up an empty M1 to Stratford upon Avon, Long Itchington and Coventry - a city reborn after its 1940 destruction

Watch for free

Mr. Therm's Review No. 4 Mr. Therm's Review No. 4

Cinemagazine 1955 12 mins Location: Olney

Stained glass, a pancake race and actors Anthony Quayle and Barbara Jefford feature in this promo from the Gas Council

Watch for free

England's Shakespeare England's Shakespeare

Travelogue 1939 18 mins Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

Have a trip away from the hustle and bustle and travel by rail to take in the sights of Shakespeare country.

Watch for free

Shakespeareland Shakespeareland

Amateur film 1932 9 mins Silent Location: Wilmcote

Ticking off the tourist attractions of William Shakespeare's old stamping ground in a rather grand Rolls Royce.

Watch for free

British and Best British and Best

Non-Fiction 1928 0 mins Silent Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

A progressive design by a pioneering female architect beats all comers to become the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in Stratford

Watch for free

Easter Holiday Activities Easter Holiday Activities

News 1957 6 mins Silent Location: Birmingham

Out and about across the Midlands to see what people do with their Easter Monday holiday. Spring is in the air with time for swimming, funfairs and a good honest pint.

Watch for free

All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A

Short interview 2025 28 mins

Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.

Watch for free

Khichdi Khichdi

Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins

The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.