Highgate pubgoers swear on the horns for Muswell Hill charity
WHETHER they wanted to kiss the fairest maiden in the pub, kick a pig out of a ditch, or just raise funds for a local charity, scores of pubgoers this weekend took part in an ancient swearing ceremony in Highgate. The Swearing on the Horns, a traditional
WHETHER they wanted to kiss the fairest maiden in the pub, kick a pig out of a ditch, or just raise funds for a local charity, scores of pubgoers this weekend took part in an ancient swearing ceremony in Highgate.
The Swearing on the Horns, a traditional 17th century custom from when the area was a stopping place for stagecoachers and cattle drivers, has for the last 40 years been run by Hornsey Round Table to raise funds for the London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Muswell Hill.
Privileges once you've paid a 'fine' for the swearing include kissing said fairest maiden and taking the pigs place in any local ditch - more than 60 people took their chance to do so at the Flask pub on Saturday night.
Round Table member and trustee at the charity John Martin said: "It was very good - we raised more than we have ever done before - �199.84.
"It's a unique event, it's actually an old custom from the local area and we always try to make the events a bit fun."
Marc Crank, CEO at Muswell Hill centre said: "We are very grateful to Hornsey Round Table for organising this unique fundraiser and to The Flask for hosting such a fun event.
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"Most of all, we thank in advance all new Freeman of Highgate for paying a 'fine'. Their donations will go towards funding our services as we begin a new academic year in September.
