Malmesbury Morris
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Malmesbury Morris are a Morris Dancing side based in the town of Malmesbury, Wiltshire. They draw their membership from the town itself, and from many of the surrounding towns and villages in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
There is a reference to Morris Dancers from Malmesbury dating back to 1641 though the tradition seems to have died out before the 20th Century:-
It was the custom in Long Newnton, Wiltshire of marking Trinity Sunday by having a maid of the town drape a garland of flowers around the neck of a bachelor from another parish while claiming a monetary payment and granting three kisses. In June 1641 men carrying the garland were met by a gang of men from nearby Malmesbury, led by one “with a hobby-horse and bells on his legs”. “Win it and wear it” challenged one of the Malmesbury morris men, “come three score of you, you are but boys to we.” A bloody melee ensued. - The Acoustic World of Modern England – B.R.Smith
The modern side was started in 2004. They perform traditional and new dances from the Cotswold Morris and Border Morris traditions.
Malmesbury Morris meet on Thursdays at the Reading Room in Corston, Wiltshire - about 3 miles South of Malmesbury. New dancers or musicians are always welcome.
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Malmesbury Morris have performed at many events locally and put on workshops for local groups including the Brownies and Guides, and at events for the Malmesbury Church of England Primary School.
Malmesbury Morris were one of a group of Morris sides that joined together to set the World Record for the largest ever Morris Dance in 2007.
