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Harwich Mayor Making and 'Kitchel' Throwing Ceremony

1963 , Harwich (Essex)

Cat no. 213525

Anglia television mute news footage, on Mayor Making Day in Harwich the newly appointed member keeps the ancient tradition and throws a bun, called a ‘kitchel', from the balcony of the Guildhall.

Mayor Making Day in Harwich. As part of the proceedings, the Mayor and associated Council members proceed along Church Street to The Guildhall. Many wear the traditional robe and black bicorne hat, as does the Mayor, who is distinguishable by his Mayoral chain. The leading dignitary carries a staff. Children wait excitedly, outside The Guildhall, then above, the Mayor stands on the Guildhall balcony. Keeping the ancient Harwich tradition, the newly appointed, and assisting dignitaries, throw ‘kitchels” to the children (and adults) below. The children in excitement hold their hands out to catch the buns, and gesture above to encourage more to be thrown.

Featured Buildings

The Guildhall, Church street, Harwich (A Grade I Listed building)

Featured Events

Mayor Making Day in Harwich (the third thursday in May)

Keywords

Ceremonies; Customs; Mayors; Traditions

Background Information

On the third Thursday in May every year the Guildhall is the scene of the Mayor-making ceremony. After the formal proceedings the new Mayor and Mayoress maintain the ancient and happy tradition of throwing “kitchels” to the crowd of children in the street below. Kitchels are small spiced buns, baked locally and the ceremony is unique to Harwich. Originally for the purpose of spreading goodwill amongst the poor of the town, it has been a local tradition for centuries.

Manifestations

Harwich Mayor Making and 'Kitchel' Throwing Ceremony

  • Barcode
    INV371907
    Canonical Title
    Unknown
    Carrier Type
    MP4 H264 digital
    Dimension
    Duration
    0:00:27
    Modification Date
    25/11/2011
    Parts
    Reference
    734424
  • Barcode
    INV354951
    Canonical Title
    Unknown
    Carrier Type
    MP4 H264 digital
    Dimension
    Duration
    0:00:27
    Modification Date
    31/08/2011
    Parts
    Reference
    725178
  • Barcode
    INV330561
    Canonical Title
    Unknown
    Carrier Type
    MP4 H264 digital
    Dimension
    Duration
    0:00:27
    Modification Date
    31/08/2011
    Parts
    Reference
    724362
  • Activities
    Barcode
    INV391185
    Canonical Title
    Unknown
    Carrier Type
    DV digital
    Dimension
    Duration
    0:00:27
    Modification Date
    10/05/2011
    Parts
    Reference
    708126
  • Activities
    Barcode
    INV454154
    Canonical Title
    Unknown
    Carrier Type
    master digital
    Dimension
    Duration
    0:00:28
    Modification Date
    16/03/2011
    Parts
    Reference
    704180
  • Activities
    Barcode
    INV195444
    Canonical Identifier
    2007/1000
    Canonical Title
    Unknown
    Carrier Details
    Carrier Type
    16mm film
    Colour Type
    bw
    Has Image
    Y
    Identifier
    Image Polarity
    unknown
    Modification Date
    04/10/2007
    Parts
    Reference
    633986

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