Wikipedia sums up the ultimate town-gown confrontation:
The St. Scholastica Day riot of February 10, 1355, is one of the notorious events in the history of Oxford. Following a dispute about beer in the Swindlestock Tavern . . . between townspeople and two students of the University of Oxford, the insults that were exchanged grew into armed clashes between locals and students over the next two days which left 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead. The scholars were eventually routed.
The dispute was eventually settled in favour of the university when a special charter was created. Annually thereafter, on February 10, the town mayor and councillors had to march bareheaded through the streets and pay to the university a fine of one penny for every scholar killed. The penance ended 440 years later, in 1825, when the mayor of the time refused to take part.
The Mark of a Murderer by Susanna Gregory -- one of my favorites -- is a historical mystery that includes lots of interesting details about the riot. In the Afterward, she fills in the missing pieces:
The homes of clerks and townsfolk alike were plundered and burned . . . . The battle continued until virtually all members of the University had been either killed or driven from the city, and only then was peace restored. Retribution came quickly. The town was immediately put under an interdict, which meant no religious ceremonies of any description could be carried out -- no burials, baptisms or masses. This was considered dire punishment, given that religion was far more a part of daily life than it is today, and the threat of Hell and eternal damnation were genuine concerns.
The interdict remained in place for more than a year. . .
And all because Walter Spryngheuse and Roger de Chesterfelde smashed a wine jug over the head of the Swindlestock taverner, John Croidon, because they objected to the quality of their drinks.
The image is from Gode Cookery.com
And here I thought you'd found the very Weekly World from the actual event! GREAT match of image and post!
I love Gode Cookery. We used a few recipes from it last fall for a Medieval Party. Frontier Herbs just started selling Cubeb Peppers, which I could find nowhere in October.
And I know you didn't name the holiday, but it makes me laugh every time I think of it. How many kids celebrate it daily without even realizing it?
Posted by: Tracey | March 19, 2008 at 11:28 PM
My first impression of this article, just looking at the image: Townsman Pulls Scholars' Legs. They Retaliate By Dropping Water Balloons.
Posted by: Tracey | March 19, 2008 at 11:30 PM