1884. LANCASHIRE DANCING TO A FINISH FOR $250 A-SIDE. OR THE STORY OF CLOGS.
By the Halliwell Local History Society.
Flemish Weavers and Clogs It is reputed to be 600 years ago that the Flemish weavers introduced the clog to our country. It is said that Edward III was persuaded by his Belgian wife, Philippa of Hainault, to offer inducements to the Flemish workers to come here and help to strengthen and expand the country’s industry, the weaving of woollen fabrics.
The Flemish brought with them wooden sabots lined with lambskin, but this footwear was clumsy in the eye of the old Lancashire folk and not comfortable. Later generations set about improving the shape of the sole and design of the uppers. They found that superior craftsmanship brought better wearing conditions then were to be found in the old Belgian strap arrangement. So we improved on the earliest clogs with an article not only warm and durable, but economical and effective against wet conditions. Useful in industrial activities, the clog also developed a vogue of fashion. Fanciful designs in the leather, brass nails and toecaps, even ribbon fastenings in colours for the womenfolk, brought the clog proudly to comparatively recent days. Another interesting import, students of the Lancashire dialect believe these Flemish weavers broadened, with many Flemish words, the local speech.
I believe well into the 1930s you could have organised clog kicking fights with betting. I was told I don't know how accurately Jack Pye fought Ernie Riley in one such fight. Myth?
It's very interesting how kids were still shin-kicking during the days of your youth. In the 1930s the East Lancashire kids (for example in Burnley, Lancs) still had up and down wrestling game as well. You had to take down your opponent, restrain his movement when keeping him underneath yourself and make him give in by admitting his defeat verbally.
and this one...
Dear Phil and Hack thanks for sharing these priceless memories of yours, much appreciated. Actually the town of Accrington was heart...of...let the heroes of the olden days speak for themselves.
We sound ancien Phil. My uncle Reuben was the only one in the family I remember wearing them .
You don't dance in clogs though do you Ruslan?
https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Clog-Dancing/
Growing up in Lancashire as late as the 1960s some working men wore clogs. Every morning from about 5 am men in clogs could be heard walking to work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halliwell,_Greater_Manchester
We are back to the BOLTON METHOD circa 1337.
Hope you're not trying to 'Clog-Up' The FORUM are you RUSLAN?-Ha,Ha!
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