The Bower

Today is the day of the Lichfield Bower, a curiously named celebration dating back to the reign of Henry II. Originally it was a muster or array, a way of finding out how many men could be called upon to fight if needed. All those capable of bearing arms would parade through the streets, accompanied by dancers and garlanded effigies of saints, and be handsomely rewarded at the end of the day with beef and wine at a specially erected 'bower house' decorated with laurel and lilac. When gunpowder became available, musketeers would join the procession, firing volleys outside the houses of leading townspeople, who were expected to respond by bringing out offerings of cakes and ale. While other towns abandoned such events, Lichfield continued to stage its Bower every Whit Monday, with a street parade that nowadays features local schools, bands and community organisations, with marching soldiers to represent the military. There are floats and lorries, a funfair, musical performances, the…