Housing plans are threatening 'medieval football' tradition

Historic British tradition dating nearly 500 years old under threat over proposal to build 250 homes

A centuries-old tradition of mass football in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is under threat after developers proposed building up to 250 homes on farmland used during the annual Royal Shrovetide match. The game, a riotous two-day contest played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, has taken place in the town for more than 350 years. It pits the Up'Ards, those born north of Henmore Brook, against the Down'Ards from the south bank.Planning application…

Housing plans are threatening 'medieval football' tradition

Houses are earmarked for 35 acres of pastoral farmland off the Green Road in Ashbourne.