Rough Music

RoughMusic explores transgression and shame in British folklore andcustoms. It takes in a wide array of examples including Bonfire Night,Wassail, Morris dancing, Mari Lwyd and Twelfth Night, along with events likethe Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, and street football. Liz Williamsexplores the roots and roles of violence, mockery, protest and publicshaming. She also addresses alternative culture and modern protests, such asthe Battle of the Beanfield and the Stonehenge Free Festival. The interactionbetween racism and traditions involving blackface, alongside the emergence ofall-female Morris sides, is also examined. Finally, it looks at folklore’sevolution in the digital age, highlighting new developments such as ghostbikes. This engaging book offers an entertaining yet rigorous look at Britishfolklore and culture.