The Scouring of the White Horse

First published in 1859, this enchanting novel is author Thomas Hughes’ way of recording the very last “Pastime”, the festival accompanying the 1857 ceremony of Scouring the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire. As well as giving a full account of the history and sports of the Pastime, Hughes also records a lost way of country life when cows were milked by hand, cheeses made on the farm, and the journey to market was by pony and trap. Includes masses of information for family history researchers that might not be available elsewhere, teaming real-life names with occupations, anecdotes, and even physical appearance and personal characteristics. A great companion volume to Julie Ann Godson's edition of "Memories of the Vale".