[35] Formerly there prevailed a singular custom peculiar to the county of Shropshire, called the “cuckoo-ale,” which was celebrated in the month of May, and sometimes near the latter end of April. As soon as the first cuckoo had been heard all the labouring classes left off work, even if in the middle of the day, and the time was devoted to mirth and jollity over what was called the cuckoo-ale.—Morning Post, May 17th, 1821.
April 23.] ST. GEORGE’S DAY.
April 23.]
ST. GEORGE’S DAY.
St. George’s Day, though now passed over without notice, was formerly celebrated by feasts of cities and corporations, as we learn from Johan Bale, who, speaking of the neglect of public libraries, has the following curious apostrophe:
“O cyties of Englande, whose glory standeth more in bellye chere then in the serche of wysdome godlye. How cometh it that neyther you, nor your ydell masmongers, have regarded thys most worthy commodyte of your countrey? I mean the conservacyon of your antiquytees, and of the worthy labours of your lerned men. I thynke the renowne of suche a notable acte wolde have muche longar endured than of all your belly bankettes and table tryumphes, eyther yet of your newly purchased hawles to kepe St. Georges feast in.”—Preface to the Laboryeuse Journey and Serche of John Lyelande for Englande’s Antiquitees in Lives of Leland, Hearne, and Wood, vol. i., sign C.
Among courtiers and people of fashion blue coats were worn on this day. Captain Face, a character in the Ram Alley, alludes to the custom among the knights:—
“Do you bandy tropes? By Dis I will be knight,
Wear a blue coat on great St. George’s Day,
And with my fellows drive you all from Paul’s.”
Dodsley’s Old Plays, vol. v. p. 486.