Norfolk churches' Plough Sunday tradition is back  

A tradition which was once a major event in the towns and villages of East Anglia will be celebrated in Anglican churches in Norfolk this weekend.

Plough Sunday usually takes place on the first Sunday after Epiphany and held before Plough Monday, the traditional start of the agricultural year.

In the past, a plough would be drawn through the streets accompanied by singing, dancing and drinking. The plough would be blessed as the agricultural community began a new season of ploughing and growing in the fields.

In modern times, the emphasis is on supporting the farming community and saying prayers and blessings for their work.  Some services also include a procession of tractors.

On Sunday January 11, special services will be held including at St Michael and All Angels Church in Aylsham.

Team Vicar, Rev Andrew Whitehead, said: “Come and join us in the Market Square in Aylsham at 10am to see the tractors and ploughs and enjoy a hot chocolate and a cookie. This is followed by a service in church at 11am which starts with a blessing of the vintage plough at the back of the church. This year we have representatives from both YANA (You are Not Alone) and FCN (Farming Community Network) joining us and telling us about the work that they do. There will be a warm welcome to all ages. Activities for the children as well as the adults."

The Plough Sunday service at Norwich Cathedral starts at 3.30pm but arrive before then to see the procession of tractors.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage and mark the beginning of the farming year at a special Evensong at 3.30pm on Plough Sunday, 11 January. After the service, locally made sausage rolls and beer will be served in the Nave.

In Cawston, the tradition has been reborn by the local church. On Sunday January 4, a procession of ten tractors, followed by over 80 villagers, walked from Sygate to Cawston in the winter sun.  As well as drawing vintage tractor enthusiasts, the event also involved members of the local farming community. Prayers were said for those who work in agriculture, and the tractors and implements were blessed for their ongoing work to provide our food.

Andrew, said; “Plough Sunday was the best yet this year, helped by the fantastic sunshine! Over 80 people came out to help us extend the season of Christmas celebrations just a little bit further. It was good to be part of the procession of tractors again on my grey fergie, and a privilege to deliver the wise men to the church’s nativity scene.”

Pictured above is Plough Sunday in Aylsham last year. Credit, Rebecca Whitehead.

Read our story about Plough Sunday in Cawston here.