Kingsteignton, Devon, England

Church of St. Mary

Ram Roasting

Kingsteignton honours the custom of ram roasting on Whit-Tuesday. However, due to the changing times, the ram may be replaced with deer. The curious custom has its origins in the sacrifice made to placate the pagan river gods and offer thanks for the renewal of life. The ritual killing has ceased, but the fertility symbol of the maypole remains.

 

For further information, please read Haunted Britain by Antony D. Hippisley Coxe.

Next Entry

Location

Visitor Information

Kingsteignton is a town and civil parish in South Devon, England. It lies at the head of the Teign Estuary to the west of Teignmouth in the Teignbridge district.

Pictured left is the Church of St Mary courtesy of Necrothesp. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.