OTTERY ST MARY, ENGLAND, 5-6 NOV 2009
Two Day Coach & Hotel Tour – £155.00
In London on 5th November 1605 there was a secret plot to overthrow the King, and part of the plot involved Guy Fawkes trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder. The plot failed, but ever since, every 5 November the people of the UK have celebrated the anniversary by making bonfires and setting off fireworks. However the people of Ottery St Mary in Devon do things a little differently, and carry large burning “Tar” barrels through their streets!
It is assumed that this is a pagan ritual that cleanses the streets of of evil spirits, but nobody really knows how this tradition started, however at some point in the 17th century the locals started soaking barrels in tar, and then setting them alight. Once the barrels are flaming, they are hoisted onto “carriers” shoulders and run through the town, much to the delight of locals and tourists!
Each pub in the town sponsors a barrel, and barrels are lit throughout the day – gradually getting bigger and bigger until the 30 kilo midnight barrel! The town also lights a huge bonfire and fun is had by all.
Overnight we will stay in a hotel in nearby party town Exeter, and following breakfast the next day we will tour some Devon beauty spots before making our way back to London.
whats included
All transport to and from Devon, accommodation in a hotel, breakfast on Thursday morning and entry to Exeter Cathedral. Services of Pillow tour rep.
whats NOT included
All food and drinks which are not listed above, any souvenirs you wish to buy.
