Kissing bough invitation for romantics at Clifford's Tower, York

A romantic tradition is set to be resurrected this week at Clifford’s Tower in York, when a Victorian ‘kissing bough’ is suspended at the centre of the medieval tower as part of its festive celebrations.

The kissing bough consists of an evergreen globe with leaves and decorated with the foliage and white berries of the mistletoe plant. According to Victorian tradition, any single woman standing underneath the bough can be kissed by any single man – and it is hoped that the bough will encourage some of York’s more romantic visitors to follow in the Victorian’s footsteps!

“Many people today still have a sprig of mistletoe in their homes over the festive season, and this is to represent the kissing bough tradition which was popular in Georgian and Victorian times before Christmas trees were introduced,” comments English Heritage’s events manager, Jon Hogan. “However, the kissing bough itself was a re-invention of the old ‘holy bough’ of the middle ages, in which a ball of green foliage was created and a clay figure put in the centre to represent the baby Jesus. These were used to bring good luck to those who passed below, so it is easy to see how the Victorians could subtly alter the tradition for their own benefit!”

The kissing bough is suspended above the central plinth at Clifford’s Tower – a raised platform upon which the supporting central column would have stood in the days when the tower still had a roof. Visitors young and old are invited to make use of the location, although in the good Victorian tradition, a kiss in a public place should be little more than a peck on the cheek or lips!

Continuing the Victorian theme, visitors to Clifford’s Tower this weekend (27 & 28 November) can also meet a Victorian Father Christmas, telling stories and poems about Christmas past from 11.00am to 4.00pm each day. Visitors will also have the chance to taste some festive fare from the shop, from mulled wine and damson liqueur to an assortment of traditional jams and chutneys.

Clifford’s Tower is open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Admission prices are £3.50 for adults, £3.00 for concessions and £1.80 for children. For more information, please call 01904 646940 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords
ENDS

Picture shows:  Janet and Dave Vickers from Royston, near Barnsley, sneak a kiss under the kissing bough!

For further media information, please contact: Jay Commins PRO – English Heritage Tel: 0113 251 5698 Mob: 07810 546567 Email: jay@fim.org.uk