My family has been dancing with swords for 150 years

For over 150 years, the Mettam family has been at the heart of the Grenoside Sword Dance, a cherished tradition in the village. This Boxing Day performance, passed down through generations, intertwines family life with the village's cultural heritage, showcasing the family's enduring legacy in the event.

For more than two hundred years, Grenoside, a village located just north of Sheffield, has hosted an annual Boxing Day sword dance that continues to draw local residents and visitors alike. This long-standing tradition has been maintained by several families over generations, with one in particular maintaining a connection that spans nearly the entire history of the event.

Steve Mettam, 59, has spent most of his life closely connected to the Grenoside Sword Dance. "I have known the dance for as long as I can remember," he states. Steve explains that his grandfather held the role of team secretary and actively participated in the performances for around fifty years, making it a central part of the family's life. Steve recounts that attendance at the performances was always a family priority.

Steve uncovered an intriguing aspect of his family's history within the tradition. He says, "My grandfather not only performed the dance, but he could not court my grandmother until he had mastered it, since her father was also a member of the team." This detail underscores the depth of the family's involvement, intertwining personal life with the continuation of the dance.

Delving further into the historical record, Steve, an avid photographer, discovered one of the earliest known photographs of the Grenoside Sword Dance team, dating to approximately 1885. In this image, two members of the Wragg family and three from the Housely family are visible. Steve clarifies, "My great-great-grandfather was Joe Wragg, and his brother was also part of the team. The Houselys in the photograph are related to my maternal grandmother." This photograph provides tangible evidence of the family's long-standing participation in the tradition.

The precise origins of sword dancing in Grenoside remain uncertain, but it is generally believed to have started at least in the 19th century, with some evidence suggesting it may have existed as early as the 18th century. Ray Ellison, 77, who is the teams longest-serving member, explains, "We've been performing this dance in the village for over two hundred years, but the original source is unknown." Ray joined the group in the 1970s and continues to perform regularly.

The Grenoside Sword Dance team consists of six dancers, each holding a rigid sword, led by a captain. A small band of musicians, usually including a fiddler, accompanies the dancers. The performers wear special clogs, producing a distinct sound as they march into the village before the routine begins. The dance itself shares similarities with other English folk traditions such as Cotswold Morris and Rapper Sword, but is distinguished by its long swords, approximately one meter in length, which interlock during the performance. Steve Mettam describes the swords as "long French palette knives with a file handle on the end."

The Boxing Day event is one of the most prominent performances for the team and features a symbolic mock beheading of the captain. Steve explains the rituals significance: "The agricultural year begins on January 1st, and the dance follows that cycle. When the captain's hat falls, it represents the end of the old year, and when he rises and replaces it, the new year begins."

Ray Ellison has performed in over fifty Boxing Day dances, earning recognition as the teams longest-serving member. While proud of the tradition, he acknowledges the ongoing challenges of maintaining it. "Sometimes I wonder whether its a privilege or a burden," he admits. "There have been occasions when too few people attended practice to perform properly." Last year, Ray received a special award honoring his long-term dedication to the team.

Among the newer generation is 17-year-old Ambrose, who dances alongside his father, Richard. Ambrose reflects on joining the team: "Ive grown up watching this dance, and now participating in it myself feels incredible." Richard, who has been part of the team for fifteen years, expresses his pride in sharing the experience with his son: "Being able to perform together is something that gives me immense pride."

The Grenoside Sword Dance remains a central part of the villages cultural life, continuing a family legacy that stretches back more than a century and a half. The combination of historical continuity, family involvement, and ritual significance ensures that the tradition is not only preserved but continues to thrive in the modern era.

Sources:

• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Yorkshire Post
• 'For 150 years my family have been dancing with swords'