2-888-644 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Lichfield "Greenhill Bower" on Whit-Monday - the Procession passing the Statue of Dr. Johnson, 1850. Annual tradition, procession of knights in armour, morris men etc: 'This very ancient festival was celebrated...with more than its usual ceremonies. The origin of it was a "Court of Arrray or View of Men and Arms," in existence long anterior to the Charter of Incorporation of the City, which had its first establishment in the reign of King Edward the Second, in the year 1387, so that the festival cannot be less than 500 years old! In the olden times, processions were made by the public officers of the city, and the dezeners (constables) of each ward bore tutelary saints, for which are now substituted posies, or emblems of their trade'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.