John Gladman’s Riding

Hone found in the Norwich records how in 1440 John Gladman made a public disport with his neighbours at Shrovetide. He rode through the city crowned as King of Christmas on a horse hung with tinsel, preceded by the twelve months of the year each dressed for its season. After him came Lent, clothed in white and herring skins on a horse trapped with oyster shells, as a sign that a sad and holy time was to follow, and others in odd dresses followed making mirth and plays.