Antiquarian Repertory, 1808, vol. iii. p. 320.
Norfolk.
To the west of Wereham Church, Norfolk, a well, called St. Margaret’s, was much frequented in the times of Popery. Here, on St. Margaret’s Day, the people regaled themselves with ale and cakes, music and dancing. Alms were given, and offerings and vows made, at sainted wells of this kind.—Excursions in the County of Norfolk, 1829, vol. ii. p. 145.
July 22.] ST. BRIDGET’S EVE.
July 22.]
ST. BRIDGET’S EVE.
IRELAND.
On St. Bridget’s Eve every farmer’s wife in Ireland makes a cake, called Bairinbreac; the neighbours are invited, the madder of ale and the pipe go round, and the evening concludes with mirth and festivity.—Col. Vallancey, Essay on the Antiquity of the Irish Language, 1772, p. 21; see Fosbroke’s Encyclopædia of Antiquities, 1840, p. 657.