Posted for Inktober, October 2018, part of my Pick and Choose History of Courtenay Street, Kennington and Lambeth

Maypoles, mummers and Morris dancers. The longest standing maypole in London once stood in Black Prince Road opposite the Black Prince pub. It was still in use in 1795. In 1377 the Common Council of England sent 130 men to salute Richard II. They went ‘a mumming’ to Kennington Palace riding in pairs with torches, dressed in red with their faces covered with ‘vizards’ (masks). They presented gifts, drank and danced before returning to the city. Morris dancing still thrives in South London there are at least 9 Morris sides including an all women side (New Esperance) in Borough