Grasmere set to welcome visitors to annual Rushbearing

The 400-year-old tradition in Grasmere will see the annual procession winding its way through the village to St Oswald’s Parish Church.

Hundreds are expected in the village either taking part or watching the parade, having a go at the sports events or packing St Oswald’s for the church service.

People preparing for the event in church (Image: Submitted) Before the church floor was paved in 1830, bodies would be buried within the chapel itself, and rushes were set down on the soil to purify the air and help insulate worshippers from the cold.

Will Clark, councillor for Windermere and Ambleside, recalls being a child in Grasmere and eating gingerbread with his friends.

He is now one of the organisers and explained the event was one of the highlights of the summer. 

Photo taken in 1990 of Will Clark sitting on the step at Grasmere School with friends and sister enjoying the gingerbread (Image: Submitted)

He said: "We work with the school and they have got some crosses. We end up bribing the children with medals and ice cream and there is also the village sports. When I was a child that was one of the things I would go to. 

"In terms of making the bearings a lot of younger adults are busy working especially in hospitality which means working weekends and they quite rightly are prioritising earning money so we rely on the older generation to get the bearing in place."

The procession will be led by a golden cross and will start at 2.30pm with Ulverston Brass Band joining in.

After the procession the Brass Band will continue to play in the church and the children will have their sports day.

Many of the pieces represent different parts of the village and groups have their own bearings.

All children will be given gingerbread and ice cream at the end of the procession.