The annual tradition of the planting of the penny hedge on the banks of the River Esk in Whitby attracted a bumper crowd who lined Church Street to watch.
As he has since he took over the role as the Bailiff of the Manor of Fyling Court Leet, Lol Hodgson carried out the ceremony – which dates back around 900 years – on Wednesday morning watched by more than 80 people.
Joined by Tim Osborne, they weaved the the hazel hedge together, using a penny knife, and then Mr Osborne acting as hornblower, sounded the horn three times before Mr Hodgson gave three cries of “Out on Ye”.
The planting of the penny hedge was overseen by Amy Arnold, who is the first female Seneschal (legally qualified representative) to The Manor of Fyling Court Leet, established in the 1500s.
Each year the same order of service is followed, in line with the legendary story, which goes that three local hunters were pursuing a wild boar, which was given refuge in a hermitage by a hermit or monk.
When he refused to let the hunters at the boar, they fatally attacked him. However, before he cast his last breath, the hermit issued a lifelong penance, which they and then their descendants must carry out, or lose their lands.
So on the eve of Ascension, the hedge has to be planted, and it has to withstand three tides.
