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All the United Kingdom England Welford-on-Avon Welford-upon-Avon Maypole

Welford-upon-Avon Maypole

One of the tallest maypoles remaining in England in one of its smaller villages.

Welford-on-Avon, England

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Duncan Chappell
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About

For centuries the "maypole" has been a popular European celebratory tradition, and although most of the historic party poles no longer exist, the small village of Welford-upon-Avon retains one of the tallest surviving poles in England. 

Rising to over 20 metres from the centre of the village, the striped maypole has been present in the site since the days of Shakespeare. In its original incarnation it was made of wood, but was at one point struck by lightning and destroyed. The current pole is made of aluminum and is officially a Grade II historical monument listed by English Heritage. The spire is topped with a weathervane shaped like a running fox, another traditional English icon. Visitors are recommended to visit the site in the month of May when the traditional May Day dance is still observed.

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Added By

duncanchappell

Edited By

Martin, EricGrundhauser, rbenn250

  • Martin
  • EricGrundhauser
  • rbenn250

Published

August 29, 2012

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  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welford-on-Avon
  • http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1382856
Welford-upon-Avon Maypole
Chapel Street
Welford-on-Avon, England, CV37
United Kingdom
52.16451, -1.782561
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Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

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Nearby Places

Garden of Heroes and Villains

Stratford-upon-Avon, England

miles away

Wilmcote Lock Flight

The Ridgeway, England

miles away

Edstone Aqueduct

Warwickshire, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of England

England

United Kingdom

Places 2,199
Stories 144

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