Step back into medieval England for a weekend of festive role reversals, pageantry, and just a touch of ecclesiastical mischief.
If you’re a time traveller with a penchant for the quirky side of history, the Boy Bishop tradition is a must-see event. Celebrated during the medieval and early Tudor period, this unique custom saw a young choirboy temporarily take on the role of a bishop, complete with ceremonies, processions, and the occasional sermon. Often held on or around St Nicholas’ Day (6th December), the enthronement of a Boy Bishop brings together religion, festive fun, and a cheeky inversion of societal norms.
Why Visit a Boy Bishop Celebration?
The Boy Bishop tradition, popular in England and parts of Europe, offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life. These ceremonies are as much about challenging the rigid hierarchy of the church as they are about honouring St Nicholas, the patron saint of children. For a few short days, the world is turned upside down, with a child presiding over services while clergy play the role of obedient followers.
It’s the perfect weekend break for time travellers eager to see how medieval communities balanced reverence with revelry—and how they let off a little steam before the austerity of Advent.
When to Go: Early December, 13th–16th Century
Plan your visit for St Nicholas’ Day or one of the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Boy Bishop’s reign often began on 6th December and lasted until Holy Innocents’ Day (28th December), though the exact timing varied by location. Arrive a day early to catch the choirboys practising their parts and the townsfolk preparing for the festivities.
Where to Stay
1. Cathedral Guesthouses
Stay in one of the modest yet comfortable guesthouses attached to the cathedral or abbey hosting the event. You’ll be close to the action and treated to simple yet hearty meals. Perfect for soaking in the atmosphere of medieval monastic life.
2. A Local Inn in the Town Square
For a livelier experience, book a room at a local inn where merchants, pilgrims, and townsfolk gather. Expect hearty stews, roaring fires, and plenty of gossip about the Boy Bishop’s sermon.
What to Do
1. Witness the Enthronement Ceremony
The main event sees a chosen choirboy don bishop’s robes, complete with mitre and crozier, and ascend the church’s throne. This ceremonial reversal of roles is both symbolic and entertaining, offering a rare moment of levity in the church calendar.
The Boy Bishop typically leads a procession through the town, blesses the congregation, and even delivers a sermon (often with surprising depth). It’s a spectacle that combines pageantry, performance, and piety.
2. Explore the Christmas Market
Many towns hold festive markets during the Boy Bishop’s reign. Wander the stalls for spiced ale, honey cakes, and handmade trinkets. Medieval markets are an excellent opportunity to mingle with locals and learn about their daily lives.
3. Attend a Festive Feast
Feasting often accompanies the Boy Bishop’s enthronement. Join the townsfolk for a meal featuring roasted meats, stewed vegetables, and warm spiced wine. You might even catch a glimpse of the Boy Bishop enjoying his elevated status at the head of the table.
4. Discover the Cathedral’s Hidden Treasures
Before the festivities begin, take a tour of the cathedral or abbey hosting the event. Admire the stained glass, marvel at the soaring architecture, and look for any surviving traces of the Boy Bishop tradition, such as inscriptions or carvings.
Where to Eat
1. The Pilgrim’s Table
This local tavern serves simple yet satisfying medieval fare. Try the pottage, a thick stew made with vegetables and grains, paired with a slice of crusty bread.
2. Market Stalls
Grab a quick snack of roasted chestnuts or spiced apples from the festive market. Perfect for nibbling as you follow the Boy Bishop’s procession.
Survival Tips for Time Travellers
- Blend In with Local Fashion: Wear period-appropriate attire, such as a wool tunic or a plain cloak. Anything too modern will stand out—and not in a good way.
- Mind Your Manners: While the Boy Bishop’s reign is light-hearted, the medieval church is still a place of reverence. Avoid making any anachronistic jokes about the clergy.
- Bring Small Coins: Donations to the church and tips for market vendors are customary, so carry a few pennies or farthings.
- Stay Warm: December in medieval England is cold. Layer up with woollen garments to keep the chill at bay.
Why This Weekend Matters
The Boy Bishop tradition offers a unique lens into medieval society, where structured hierarchies briefly gave way to playful inversions. It reflects a world where the sacred and the secular often intertwined, and where even the most rigid institutions allowed room for festive creativity. For students of history, it’s a chance to explore themes of power, religion, and community in medieval England.
Want to Know More?
Further Reading:
- Medieval Celebrations: Festivals and Ceremonies of the Middle Ages by Helen Benigno
- The Boy Bishop’s Feast: Medieval England’s Seasonal Rituals by Nicholas Orme
- Folk Traditions of Medieval Europe by Ronald Hutton
Primary Sources:
- Parish records detailing Boy Bishop elections and ceremonies
- Surviving accounts from ecclesiastical orders, such as those of Salisbury Cathedral
Online Resources:
- The British Library’s digitised manuscripts on medieval festivals
- History Extra’s article: “The Boy Bishop: A Forgotten Christmas Tradition”
Final Thoughts
A weekend witnessing the enthronement of the Boy Bishop is a journey into the heart of medieval England. It’s festive, thought-provoking, and undeniably charming. Whether you’re following the lantern-lit procession or reflecting on the deeper meaning of the tradition, this time-travelling city break will leave you with memories as enduring as the stone cathedrals themselves.
So grab your cloak and a sense of wonder. The Boy Bishop awaits!
