Whitby wouldn’t be Whitby without its ancient traditions, exciting myths and local legends. The planting of the Penny Hedge is an ancient tradition in this coastal town.
Myth and folklore surround the town of Whitby, which adds to the town’s mystery and charm. In this article, you can learn more about the ancient tradition of the Penny Hedge.
Let’s go back in time to 1159. Ralph de Percy, William de Bruce and their friend Allatson were three hunters who murdered a hermit at Eskdaleside for getting in the way of their boar. Near Whitby, they were closely hunting a wild boar and scared it into a hermitage. The hermit locked out the hunter’s hounds so the men set upon killing him.
FREE Whitby Mini-Guide
"Get the best from your stay in Whitby." - Everything you need to know about Whitby into a free mini-guide!
As the hermit lay dying he conceded to forgive the hunters but only on the condition that they and their descendants carry out a ritual each year on the eve of Ascension Day. The Abbot of Whitby punished the three hunters and imposed this punishment onto them and their descendants for all time. The men agreed to this in order to avoid execution for their murderous crime.
Every year on the eve of Ascension Day the men had to make a short hedge from hazel stakes woven together and plant them on the east side of the harbour, it had to be strong enough to withstand three tides. Failure to do this meant that the men would lose some of their very valuable land. Knife of ‘a penny price’ had to be used, which is where this tradition gets its name.
The occupiers of the land which was formerly owned by the Abbot still continue this tradition. Today the ceremony is performed in Whitby every year on Ascension Eve. The hedge is carried to Whitby and planted by 9 o’clock in the morning. It is a very popular event! A horn is sounded and followed by the cry of “Out on ye! Out on ye! Out on ye”
Have you ever visited Whitby and witnessed this wonderful tradition? Let us know in the comments.
Header photo credit: Alan Fryer / Planting the Penny Hedge Whitby CC BY-SA 2.0
Are the people that keep the tradition still descendants of the original hunters?