Devilry Afoot: Bealtaine (May Day) 1626 - the Redshanks Mummers
Mark returns to Frommage for some more Devilry Afoot : ************* “ Reportes are abroade as far as Leicester and Northampton, that the Mummers are returned into Rutland shire. Folke are wondering greatly, as such have not been seene in that countrie since Elizabeth was yet living. Time out of mind their visitation has always heralded a mighty battle against some devilry afoote. May God protect us [etc etc] ” (Diary of John Paston, entry for 29 April 1626. Northamptonshire Record Office). ************* Here’s a coloured woodcut of the Redshanks, as these Mummers are popularly known. No-one knows who they really are or whence they come and go (Photo #1). The Mummers (Hunters) are as follows. Obviously the models are not WYSIWYG. You should assume they are equipped with arcane musical and guising powers that can baffle the minions of the Devil, best represented by the conventional weapons etc they are said to carry. Thomas Hobbes (green ribbon shirt) Goodman: Devout, Penitent. Slovenl...