Ancient candle auction is upheld
The village’s triennial candle auction is one of three surviving events of its kind in the country, with one being held annually in Hubberholme in Yorkshire and another every 21 years in Chedzoy, Somerset. Records show that the auction has been held in the West Berkshire village every three years since 1801 but it is probably older still, with the method dating back as far as 1490.
An iron horseshoe nail is inserted into a specially made tallow candle by the auctioneer. The candle is then lit and bidding commences until the pin falls from the candle. Indeed, the origin of the phrase ‘so quiet you could hear a pin drop’ hails from this ancient tradition.
And last Monday, villagers along with some people who had travelled from as far as Yorkshire, packed into the Hinds Head Pub to continue this unbroken tradition which also used to see churchwardens smoke clay pipes until law changes snuffed them out.
Under the hammer was a two acre plot of land called Church Acre in Fishermans Lane. Money raised from the auction goes towards church funds and village records show that the land went for £7 in 1815 and £5 in 1945.
The horseshoe nail was inserted by the lord of the manor, Tony Jackson, and following tradition, the bidding was opened by the vicar, for the second time by the Rev Becky Bevan, at £50 but the public soon raised the figure into the hundreds.
This year was said to be one of longest candle burnings, with the heat, excitement and the bids rising steadily. The nail finally dropped on the winning bid of £500 placed by resident Tom Bissett, who will pay the rent on the land for the next three years.
Mr Bissett, who has lived in the village nearly all his life, said that he would use the land for cattle grazing but the main reason for bidding was to support the local church.
Although the event marked a continuation of tradition it also saw Mr Jackson announcing his retirement as lord of the manor and he has decided to pass it to village resident Andy Hall.
Mr Jackson said: “I have decided to not sell the title to the highest bidder. I’m certain that my predecessors, including King Harold, will have approved. [Mr Hall] will feel himself right at home in a close knit community.”
(Pictures by Ange Boott)