It came to the 'Bridge'

It came to the 'Bridge

Ahhhhh wasn't it great to see the Rushcart on its 50^th Anniversary come to our 14^th century Inn 🥰 

the connection between rushcart + music + dancing + pubs isn’t a modern invention. It’s baked into the tradition.

🌿 And Ripponden has a really important place in it

This is where it gets particularly fascinating for you.

There is a documented account of Ripponden Rushbearing in 1842. According to the historical record, the celebrations lasted an entire week.

A rushcart was pulled through Soyland and Rishworth before returning to Ripponden. 

So when today’s Rushbearing procession eventually comes into Ripponden, it is effectively returning to a village where this tradition was already being celebrated nearly two centuries ago.

And locally, Rushbearing wasn’t confined to Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge. Historical evidence records celebrations in places including Luddenden, Illingworth, Midgley, Hebden and Brighouse.