History-LastoftheSussex Mummers

By David Johnston

Christmas always reminds me of the old Sussex Mummers play: the “Tipteers” – during which, a well known figure dressed in brightest red costume announces “In comes I , Old Father Christmas, be I welcome or be I not.” A farmhand, known as Mr Foard, aged about 40, revived in 1911, the ancient “Tipteers”, in which he took the part of Father Christmas. His version of the play was handed down to Frank Dawtrey, a carter of Chithurst and Iping, and with this the gang of Tipteers went out each Christmas to perform in large country houses, either in the Servants Hall, or at the hands of the Master and Mistress themselves. The number of visits and the hospitality provided, made it a matter of some self-denial on their part to keep sober enough to perform the play at the last house. The Great War came, and the old Tipteers Fiddler, Mr Sharp, being one of the fortunate ones, returned, and eventually settled in Chichester. Here in 1927 he set up the Boxgrove Tipteers; they carried on the old tradition. And so it was, that on searching in 1991, for surviving members of this old Sussex mummers play, I discovered (the now late) Harry Gilbert, aged 90; the very last member. He was one of the “Boxgrove Tipeers” in 1927 and recalled with vivid accuracy, the folk drama in which he took part in those bygone years. Among the many venues the Tipteers performed were Petworth House, Arundel Castle, West Dean House, and the Royal Albert Hall in

During the winter months the Tipteers often met at the Anglesea Arms, Halnaker, to learn Harry Gilbert, last of the Sussex their old Sussex songs over a Mummers beer and pipe of tobacco. The fiddler Mr. Sharp and Harry, who played the accordion, acted as accompaniment to the melodious singers, who rehearsed consistently until note and word perfect. Harry Gilbert was also substitute for the 'Noble Captain' and all other parts in the play, which numbered six characters in all. He can recall the excitement they caused in many of the remote villages, where the only outside entertainment was the arrival of the Tipteers and their play. The children were often so excited on hearing the singing of the Tipteers as it drifted from the Downs on their approach that they flocked from their gardens with hoots and shouts of glee, gathering round them to look in wonder at their painted faces, and to admire their bizarre costumes. These costumes took shape from the slender means available. A few garments were 'hand-me -downs' from father to son, such as the ancient “The Boxgrove Tipteers performed with enthusi- smock of Harry's brother, also a member of the asm” he chuckled. “And it was our determina- Tipteers. It was said to be 100 years old in those tion that proved to be the key to the success of days, when he inherited it from his father, a the play in those early years. We performed in a Sussex shepherd, as was his father before him. number of large country houses in the area, and Old Harry Gilbert, with his soft speech and long were eagerly awaited during the long winter accurate memory recited to me the many versmonths. We would proclaim our arrival with the es that made up the Tipteers Play. His memoexpected beating of drums, and much joyous ries are all that remains of a tradition which singing: “We come, we come, we merry, merry, spanned hundreds of years. For these old cuscome. Sound, sound yer trumpets and beat yer, toms are of a time now forgotten in the rush of beat yer drums.” this modern age. David R.G. Johnston: Sussex author: photographer and Artist. www.davidjohnston.org.uk or email: johnston.david.rg@gmail.com

London. There, it was reported in 'The Times', “The distinctive s i n g in g of t h e Boxg rove Tipteers must be selected for mention,” whilst an old shepherd who had accompanied them to the Albert Hall, greeted their return to the high up seats with; “Very good. It rattled up here something beautiful.”