Tom Bawcock's Eve

Tombawcockseve

Tom Bawcock's Eve is a festival held on 23 December annually in the village of Mousehole, Cornwall, England. The celebration commemorates the legendary heroic act of a local fisherman named Tom Bawcock, who is said to have braved stormy seas to catch fish during a famine in the 16th century.

History

The origins of Tom Bawcock's Eve are rooted in local folklore. According to the legend, the village of Mousehole was suffering from a severe famine due to relentless storms that prevented the fishermen from going out to sea. On 23 December, Tom Bawcock ventured out into the treacherous waters and returned with a substantial catch, enough to feed the entire village. To celebrate his bravery and the end of the famine, the villagers baked a large pie known as stargazy pie, which features fish heads protruding through the crust, symbolizing the bounty of the sea.

Celebrations

The main feature of Tom Bawcock's Eve is the preparation and consumption of stargazy pie. The pie is traditionally made with pilchards, eggs, and potatoes, with the fish heads poking through the crust to appear as if they are gazing at the stars. The event is marked by a lantern procession through the streets of Mousehole, culminating in a communal feast where the pie is shared among the villagers.

Cultural Significance

Tom Bawcock's Eve is an important part of the cultural heritage of Mousehole and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the local community. The festival not only honors the bravery of Tom Bawcock but also serves as a reminder of the village's reliance on the sea for sustenance. It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate their shared history and traditions.

Modern Observance

In contemporary times, Tom Bawcock's Eve continues to be a popular event in Mousehole. The festival attracts visitors from around the region and beyond, who come to witness the unique celebrations and partake in the traditional fare. The lantern procession and the stargazy pie remain central to the festivities, preserving the essence of the historical legend.

See Also

• Mousehole
• Stargazy pie
• Cornish cuisine
• Cornish festivals