Folklore of Midlands

14 February

Folklore from the old calendars

Good Morrow, Valentine at Weston Favell No longer kept NorthamptonshireReviewing John Cole's little history of Weston Favell, near Northampton, in 1827, Hone noted the village's round of customs.
Paying the valentine in Hereford No longer kept HerefordshireMrs Joyce Jefferies of Hereford took care each Valentine's Day to give money to the first man of her acquaintance she met, who counted as her valentine.
Sweeping the girls No longer kept DerbyshireIn Derbyshire a girl who had not been kissed by Valentine's morning was said to be dusty, and had to be swept with a broom.
Valentine buns at Peterborough No longer kept NorthamptonshireIn Peterborough and the villages of north Northamptonshire, sweet plum buns called Valentine buns were baked for St Valentine's Day.