Scuffle tradition hit by disclaimer red tape

The scuffle between the townspeople and "white-shirted halberdiers" in Rothwell is always friendly

Organisers of a 900-year-old "scuffle" that takes place at an annual fair now have to make sure participants sign an insurance disclaimer.

The mock scuffle is part of the traditional Rowell Fair, held every May in Rothwell, Northamptonshire.

It marks how townspeople attempted to disarm the guards accompanying the bailiff as he read out the Fair proclamation at different locations.

The bailiff says the disclaimer, first reported in the Evening Telegraph, is necessary to make sure the event is properly insured.

According to the Rowell Fair Society, the event can be traced as far back as 1154 and it was granted a charter by King John 50 years later.

The proclamation that will be read by the bailiff at six locations on 27 May dates back to the reign of King James I in 1614.

After the first two stops, a playful scuffle will break out as the townspeople try to disarm the guards, known as "halberdiers".

The townspeople try to disarm the halberdiers

The bailiff, Frank York, said the fight had its origins in the days when the position of bailiff was particularly unpopular.

"Years ago, the bailiff was effectively the taxman for the Lord of the Manor at the market and the annual fair," he said.

"He would go round the alehouses and collect the rent off the traders, and the halberdiers were there to protect the bailiff, and the locals were trying to delay his progress."

A whistle is blown to stop the fight and restore order so the bailiff can continue his journey

Mr York added: "Very few insurance companies even contemplate insuring us, once they hear of the scuffles.

"The insurance company that we're using want us to try and mitigate the risk a little bit so we've got a bit more control over who gets involved - the halberdiers have always signed disclaimers anyway."

The bailiff and other organisers will be in the area with disclaimers to hand out over the next few days.

Each participant will then get a wristband to show they have signed the form.

The bailiff, on horseback, reads the proclamation at different locations in Rothwell

For the first time, the readings of the historic proclamation by the bailiff on horseback will now be accompanied by announcements about the disclaimers.

Mr York said: "Unfortunately, it's one of these things to be properly insured and legitimate in everything we do, it's become a degree of a necessity.

"It's going to be very onerous on my marshals and halberdiers, but we're going to try and make it work."

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