The ceremony of Penny Hedge

The origins of the Penny Hedge ceremony (or Horngarth as it is sometimes called) are rather confused, although there are many theories as to what it means and why it exists.

Whitby's upper harbour sees this bizarre ritual enacted on the morning of Ascension Eve. Basically, a hedge made from hazel is constructed in the sand. Once constructed, a horn is sounded three times and a shout of, "Out on Ye" is cried three times. Eventually, the tide laps around the new hedge until it is no more.

Why?

Well, it has been suggested that it was a penance imposed on three huntsmen by the Abbot of Whitby for murdering the Hermit of Eskdaleside.

Another explanation is that it could possibly have been a duty imposed on a tenant of Abbey lands in the Manor of Fyling.

Whatever the real reason for this strange Whitby ceremony, there is no doubt that it is very old indeed, perhaps even dating from the days of Hilda's Abbey.

If you know a different explanation, please get in touch and I'll add it to this page, together with a credit!

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