Preston Egg Rolling (c1901)

This film is part of the Mitchell and Kenyon collection - an amazing visual record of everyday life in Britain at the beginning of the 20th century.
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[@Bill12700]

I am blown away by this film! My Great grandmother had worked as a 'domestic servant' in one of the houses that back onto Avenham Park in 1888 (I can see it in the film). In 1900 she had a child - my gran - a short walk from where this was filmed. It is amazing to think she might have seen this being filmed. Even if she didn't . . it is wonderful to see the people that she 'knew' back then. Many thanks for sharing it BFI. x

[@geoforn]

All these Mitchell and Kenyon films have been amazingly well restored.

[@sanmiguel357]

I dont live in Preston anymore but I can remember doing the same as a kid in the early sixties. Interesting post, thanks.

[@David-vn4qu]

The tradition is still widely kept in Preston. Excellent day especially if we get the weather. Just wish the council would do more with the park.

[@gsf67]

My grandfather came from Preston, born 1903, emigrated to NZ after W.W.2

[@crazydavec3861]

At the time Egg Rolling was enjoyed in Preston every Easter Monday, so if this was 1901 it was the 8th April event, commented on in the Preston Herald, Wed 10th Apr 1901 (Page 5 Col. 2). My grandfather was six at the time and lived barely more than half a mile away.. so may have been in attendance!

[@Wotsitorlabart]

Author Steve Roud in his book on customs 'The English Year' points out that this film also shows communal skipping taking place - an activity which commonly took place on Good Friday and often by adults and boys as well as girls.

[@Ahibasabala]

Really fascinating, it's like looking through a window into another world.

[@Papdog1]

Children are children, no different today. Those kids grew up and died long ago. This is just a poignant snapshot in time.

[@dischargesummary8794]

My dear grandmother ran a salon in church street....god bless her

[@greenisland75]

Wouldn't it be great if a group of people from 1901 were shown a film of England in 2010. What thoughts would they have? How would they feel? What would they think of us?

[@SwazersC]

How about 2021? :)

[@user-yg2nh3sp1g]

My great great granddad come from Italy so he was a plaster to do some work in the harris library and cinema and booth now the waterstones

[@BLzBob.7268]

Back again for another look! (Last comment 8yrs ago). It never gets old . . . oh hang on . . 😁

[@shanefrance5071]

Look at their dress they look respectable wish I was around then

[@bangerbob100]

Very good footage enjoyed watching this I live close to avenham park too .

[@davedogge2280]

Seems like yesterday I passed this part of Preston as I walked into town down the old railway from Lostock Hall to spend my Saturday pocket money. Or rode my BMX down their with my friends in the 80s.

[@hellkeeperXYZ]

Yeah it's like looking towards dead people u just know they all past away...

[@CarlosTadeus]

Eu assiste Brasilien!!! very good!!

[@FaerieCrone]

This makes me feel sad when I look at the world today. People used to have respect and dignity and now they use the 'c' word quite freely and just don't care anymore.

[@user-ng9gd4vl9s]

Chocolate?

[@doesntreallymatter9368]

And everyone you have just seen is dead

[@seanlogan6233]

Done same with me kids good times

[@Hellishcrusade]

@excavtrooper - No, I know they'd say "We're glad you stopped bullying their country into submission"

[@Fronika]

The commentator has a very boring voice.