About Shrovetide Football
Welcome to Shrovetide Football, your ultimate online destination dedicated to the fascinating, often wild, and deeply traditional world of Shrovetide Football games. These ancient folk sports, played annually across various towns and villages primarily in the UK and parts of Europe during the Shrovetide period (just before Lent), are more than just games; they are vibrant cultural events, a testament to community spirit, historical continuity, and raw, unfiltered passion.
Our mission is to be the definitive resource for understanding, appreciating, and celebrating these unique traditions. From the historic 'hug' of Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football to the lesser-known local variations, we delve into the rules (or lack thereof), the rich history, the cultural significance, and the sheer spectacle of these incredible events. Whether you're a lifelong participant, a curious newcomer, a historian, or a tourist planning a visit, Shrovetide Football offers meticulously researched articles, captivating stories, historical insights, and up-to-date information.
Join us on a journey to explore the spirit of Shrovetide Football – where centuries-old traditions meet modern-day enthusiasm.
Our Author
Lynn Saunders is a renowned cultural historian and ethno-sports researcher with a particular passion for traditional British folk games. With over two decades of dedicated study, Lynn has traveled extensively to document, participate in, and understand the intricacies of Shrovetide Football in its many forms. Her work combines academic rigor with a deep personal appreciation for community traditions, making her an unparalleled expert in the field. She has authored numerous articles and contributed to several books on the subject, establishing her as a leading voice in preserving and sharing the heritage of these unique cultural spectacles. Lynn's commitment to authentic storytelling and historical accuracy forms the bedrock of the content you'll find on Shrovetide Football.
Our Editorial Standards
At Shrovetide Football, we are committed to providing content that is not only engaging but also reliable and trustworthy. Our editorial process is guided by three core principles:
- Accuracy: Every piece of information published on our site undergoes rigorous fact-checking. We rely on primary sources, academic research, and direct accounts from participants and local historians to ensure our content is precise and truthful. We strive to present historical facts and cultural narratives with the utmost integrity.
- Originality: We aim to offer fresh perspectives and unique insights into the world of Shrovetide Football. While respecting established knowledge, we encourage deep dives, original research, and thoughtful analysis to provide our readers with content they won't find anywhere else. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of these traditions, not just to repeat what's already known.
- Transparency: We believe in being open with our audience. Where appropriate, we cite our sources and acknowledge the contributions of experts and communities. We clearly differentiate between factual reporting, historical interpretation, and opinion pieces, ensuring you always know the nature of the content you are consuming.
Our commitment to these standards ensures that Shrovetide Football remains a respected and valuable resource for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Contact Us
Have questions, suggestions, or insights to share? We'd love to hear from you! Please visit our Contact Page to get in touch with the Shrovetide Football team.