Homelye Farm Courtyards

The Dunmow Flitch

by rosymole

The Flitch is an old English tradition which began in Great Dunmow's neighbouring village of Little Dunmow in around the 14th Century. The basic idea is that any man and woman who are married have to prove that they have not wished themselves unmarried (had an arguement) in one year and a day. If they can convince a judge a jury (usually a minor celebrity and local dignitaries) of this then they win a flitch of bacon, which is half a pig.
The Flitch occurs every four years, the next one being in 2008, and draw large crowds to the town. there is a parade where the winners are carried throught the town on a special chair, and also a fair for the youngsters.
there's always a good party atmostphere when the flitch is on, and it's also great from the historical point of view