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 part of Free
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
Alvey: Ashbourne Shrovetide Football '66 Alvey: Ashbourne Shrovetide Football '66
Amateur film 1966 7 mins Silent Location: Ashbourne
World Cup year 1966 but this is a different kind of 'beautiful game' and in these conditions Geoff Hurst would've certainly struggled to get his famous hat-trick.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.