Traditions Observed: From Bun Throwing To Swan Upping

Publication date 17th February 2026 ~ Available to pre-order

Traditions Observed ~ From Bun Throwing To Swan Upping

British Customs That Refuse To Die

A travelogue by Anna Hallett

This is a comprehensive exploration of historic local customs still enacted on a, usually yearly, basis, throughout the country, at different times of the year: from well dressing, mumming, wassailing and pancake racing to more obscure events such as the appearance of Straw Bears, the election of Mock Mayors and the blessing by a Boy Bishop. Civic ceremonies include Mayor weighing in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and ‘Quit Rents’ in front of the King’s Remembrancer in the Royal Law Courts in London.

Where in the past many winter customs benefited the less well-off at a time of year when income was scarce, nowadays any contributions collected are donated to charity.

Anna Hallett is passionate about history, a love which over the years she has shared with the many students she taught at various educational institutions. A combination of the above with an interest in travel and curiosity regarding the unknown have contributed to the creation of this book.

Anna is the author of ‘Almshouses’, published by Shire Library.