Heritage Open Day: Rushbearing in Grasmere

The gathering of rushes from around Grasmere lake and the surrounding fells was originally for scattering on the earthen floor of the village church St Oswald's, for cleanliness and insulation. The custom largely died out when flagstones were introduced but the ceremony was revived in the 19th century in Grasmere and many villages throughout England. It still takes place in the village in the weeks leading up to St Oswald’s Day (5th August). New rushes, or ‘sweet flag’ and garlands of flowers, on a cart or poles, are paraded through Grasmere to the church, accompanied by music and dancing. The custom inspired William Wordsworth, who lived in Grasmere between 1799 and 1813, to pen his poem ‘Rural Ceremony’ in 1821.