Sworn at Highgate

Travellers passing through Highgate for the first time were made to swear a mock oath on a pair of horns in one of the village taverns, with the landlord as priest and a waiter or ostler singing out Amen. The new man was warned against the snares of London and told of his privileges, and he always had to pay for drink for the company. He was also to kiss the horns, or any pretty girl who would let him. Swearing on the horns is still performed at Highgate.