2-889-555 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Christmas Eve in Devonshire - the Mummers coming in, 1850. Rural entertainment in Devon. 'And then entered six or seven youths fantastically bedecked with ribbons, and gay, antiquated garments...the play representing the unconquerable of Old England partially attracted the attention of the noisy audience. A warrior, lip corked a la moustache, personating the ambitious Napoleon, is brought to encounter St. George...At the right are seated those whose hunger craves relief, which the farmer's wife is labouring to accord. Facing are they who, with their senses quickened by the juice of apple [ie cider], shout at the valiant heroes...against the chimney, behold the farmer watching to supply the wants of any of his friends. Beneath are placed a group of children, whose minds are wondering at so strange a sight...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.