Hornbeam Molly

Molly dancing originated in East Anglia, probably some time in the 18th century. Unlike other forms of Morris dancing there is limited documentation of its early history but many of its features suggest adaptation of and development from social dances of the time.

Plough Monday, the first Monday after January 6th is the most significant date in the molly calendar, being  the day agricultural work is resumed after the winter break. On the Sunday before this the plough is sometimes taken to church for a blessing to ensure productivity in the following season’s work. Like Christmas, this may well be a Christian attempt to ‘civilise’ a pagan festival.

Certainly there seems to have been an unruly element to the proceedings: Dancers would drag a plough to the local landowner's house and dance outside while demanding money. They would threaten to plough up his garden if none was forthcoming.The soot blackened faces of the dancers was an attempt to avoid recognition by their employers and even the Molly, a man dressed as a woman may have its origin in disguise.