The Doggerel
On Penhill Crags he tore his rags
Hunters Thorn he blew his horn
Cappelbank Stee happened a misfortune and brak' his knee
Grassgill Beck he brak' his neck
Wadhams End he couldn't fend
Grassgill End we'll mak' his end
Shout, lads, shout!
Are you coming to see Bartle burn?
Burning Bartle
Saturday August 24th 2013
West Witton, Yorkshire Dales
The ancient ritual of Burning Bartle takes place every year in the village of West Witton near Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
At 9pm on the Saturday night nearest to the 24th August (St. Bartholomew's Day) a larger than life figure is paraded down the village main street accompanied by repeated chants of the Bartle doggerel.
When Bartle reaches 'his end' in Grassgill, he is set alight, accompanied by songs and cheers from the assembled masses.
For more details of the tradition itself, please see the tradition page, the Bartle Trail or the past Bartle Burnings
The ritual starts at 9pm sharp on the Saturday night, following the Witton Fell Race. The next day (Sunday 28th August) sees the 'Fun Day' which includes all manner of events including children's sports, fancy dress, a falconry display and other entertainments!
It's a Witton Feast whole weekend of fun and everyone's welcome!