One hundred years ago, the pleasures of life were much simpler than they are today (2009); even though wages were low and many families suffered great hardship, people knew how ‘to let their hair down’ and enjoy themselves.

Tickhill commemorated the Queen’s long reign by flying all fifty-three flags of the Commonwealth countries, plus the Commonwealth flag itself, at various locations within the town.

The varying impact of some royal weddings on life in Tickhill.

Tickhill replaced its old water pump with a new one, near the Buttercross, to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

Traditionally high days and holidays were governed by the dual influence of the seasons and the Christian calendar; however, some of our festivals have their origins in pagan rituals.

People in agricultural areas have always taken great pride in their crops and livestock and, in turn, took great pleasure in displaying them at the local agricultural show.

Feasts and fairs were traditionally held to celebrate the patronal festival of the parish church, a saint’s day, the sale of livestock or in the case of the annual Michaelmas hiring fairs – people!

Bazaars, garden parties, together with sales of work were an important, largely middle class, female activity, usually associated with church and chapel.

Important events in the life of the nation presented an occasion for community celebrations; the national way to mark the declaration of peace, Empire Day, a coronation, jubilee or royal wedding was a joyous out door event.

After a long, hard working day, sporting events and activities provided leisure and recreation for people both as participants and spectators.

Music played an important part in everyday life: from songs in the local alehouse to a family singsong around the piano; from the choral society to the local brass band.

Until the late 20th century, a wedding was probably the most important event in most people’s lives...

Until post-1918, simple pleasures, such as day trips, were considered ‘high days’ for the working classes, they had neither the time nor the money to take a holiday

With the kind help and cooperation of the Yorkshire Film Archive we are able to show you cine films of past events in Tickhill by linking to their website. Although silent, these films are superbly evocative of times past.

Paul Davenport who has recently published a book on Yorkshire Traditional Seasonal Dance has drawn our attention to the following reference to Tickhill concerning Plough Monday in the Yorkshire Post of 1947. Our thanks to Paul for this contribution.

Tickhill residents on holiday at Bridlington, Scarborough and Whitby before WWI