Chapter 6 Vernacular Culture and Popular Customs in Early Modern England: Evidence from Thomas Machellâs Westmorland
äºThe Common VoicePurchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
This study is based on an examination of the manuscript collections made by the clergyman-antiquary from Westmorland, Thomas Machell (1647â98). It argues that the six volumes of Machellâs notebooks have been largely overlooked as a valuable source for the social life and popular culture of the north-west of England in the late seventeenth century. Analysis of Machellâs writings, however, reveals him to be an original and sympathetic recorder of the attitudes and beliefs, customs and practices, of his neighbours. It is suggested that he shares much in common with John Aubrey as an important, and sometimes unique, commentator on vernacular traditions, childrenâs games, and calendar rituals.