The English Year: A Month-by-Month Guide to the Nation's Customs and Festivals

The English Year records England’s customs and festivals in calendar order, moving from New Year celebrations through Easter, harvest traditions and the approach of Mischief Night. Steve Roud explains when customs occur, how they developed and what they have meant within local and national life.

Alongside familiar occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Shrove Tuesday, Guy Fawkes’ Night and Halloween, the book examines regional practices including cheese-rolling, hobby-horse processions, duck racing, bottle-kicking and Plague Sunday. It also considers why some traditions have declined while others have been revived or gained new prominence, with additional sections covering daily, weekly and occasional customs.