Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay

Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay is a portrait of rural life in Blaxhall, Suffolk, before mechanization, by George Ewart Evans, who sought out those who could recall nineteenth-century customs, crafts, dialects, tools, smugglers' tales, and rural beliefs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2018
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay is a captivating portrayal of the rural heritage of Blaxhall, a secluded Suffolk village, during a period preceding the transformative impact of mechanization on farming, landscapes, and rural lifestyles. In the 1950s, George Ewart Evans embarked on a mission to uncover the remnants of nineteenth-century customs, crafts, dialects, tools, smugglers' tales, and rural beliefs that had persisted since the era of Chaucer. Through meticulous research and interviews with individuals who had firsthand knowledge of these traditions, Evans painstakingly assembled this remarkable depiction of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into a world that has long since vanished.

Blaxhall, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Suffolk, stands as a testament to the rich agricultural heritage of England. In the 1950s, George Ewart Evans embarked on a mission to document the remnants of a bygone era, seeking out the individuals who could recall the customs, crafts, dialects, tools, smugglers' tales, and rural beliefs that had endured since the time of Chaucer. The result is a vivid portrait of Blaxhall, a remote village that had managed to retain its unique identity amidst the sweeping changes brought about by mechanization.

The 1950s were a pivotal period in the history of Blaxhall, as the introduction of modern machinery transformed the way farming was conducted. The traditional methods of hay cutting, which had been practiced for centuries, were replaced by mechanized equipment, resulting in a significant shift in the landscape and rural life. The once-bustling fields and meadows were now dominated by large machinery, which streamlined the process of hay production but also had a profound impact on the environment.

The impact of mechanization on Blaxhall was not limited to the agricultural sector alone. It also had a profound effect on the social and cultural fabric of the village. The traditional way of life, which had been deeply rooted in the community for generations, began to fade away as the younger generations were drawn to the cities for work. The dialects and customs that had been passed down through the generations were also at risk of being lost, as the younger generations were less likely to be familiar with them.

However, amidst the changes brought about by mechanization, Blaxhall remained a vibrant and resilient community. The residents of the village were proud of their heritage and worked tirelessly to preserve it. They organized festivals and events to celebrate the traditions and customs that had been passed down through the centuries, and they encouraged visitors to come and experience the unique charm of the village.

George Ewart Evans's work on Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the rural past of Blaxhall. Through his meticulous research and interviews with the residents of the village, Evans has captured the essence of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into a world that has long since vanished. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage and the rich cultural diversity that exists in rural communities.

In conclusion, Ask the Fellows Who Cut the Hay is a captivating portrayal of the rural past of Blaxhall, a remote Suffolk village, during a period preceding the transformative impact of mechanization. Through the meticulous research and interviews of George Ewart Evans, the book offers a valuable insight into a bygone era, reminding us of the importance of preserving our heritage and the rich cultural diversity that exists in rural communities.

Weight: 222g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571340545
Edition number: Main