Keeping a Geddington Tradition Alive: May Day Bread and the legacy of Sir Robert Dallington
On 1st May at 11:00 am, residents and friends of Geddington are invited to gather at the bottom of Bakehouse Hill for one of the village’s oldest customs: the May Day Bread Giving.
Organised by the Sir Robert Dallington Charity, this event marks the continuation of a tradition that dates back nearly four centuries. This year, in a gesture that blends past and present, attendees are also encouraged to bring along contributions for Kettering Food Bank.
A Tradition Stretching Back to 1630
The roots of this May Day event lie in the charitable legacy of Sir Robert Dallington, a distinguished scholar, traveller, and benefactor who was born in Geddington in 1561. Though little is known about his early years in the village, his later life was marked by academic and public service success — he studied at Cambridge, became Master of Charterhouse School, and was knighted in 1624.
Despite living much of his life away from Northamptonshire, Dallington did not forget his birthplace. In his will, he left £300 to fund the regular distribution of bread to the village poor — a practice he had already begun during his lifetime. His bequest specified that “24 three-penny loaves every Sunday” should be given to selected villagers, with further support offered at Christmas and Easter.
The charity’s trustees also recorded a detailed set of moral and social expectations for recipients, in a document dated 25th July 1636. These included requirements such as attending church regularly, maintaining good behaviour, and avoiding drunkenness or “idle company.” While these stipulations may appear strict or outdated today, they offer valuable insight into the social norms of 17th-century village life.
The Church Bell, the Bakery Door, and the Bread Shelf
For generations, the symbolic loaves were left on a three-cornered shelf in the Church for distribution after Sunday services. On May Day in particular, the custom became a much-loved village event. A Kettering Leader report from 1900 describes the church bell ringing at 11am to summon villagers to collect their bread — a lively scene often followed by singing and celebration.
In 1911, it was recorded that as many as 1,000 pieces of bread were distributed, with photos from the period showing large crowds gathered outside the bakery door. At the time, local trustees such as Isaac Chapman, John Wilkins, and Tom Rippin played key roles in ensuring the tradition continued.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Though the formal selection criteria have faded and Geddington no longer has village bakers acting as overseers, the Sir Robert Dallington Charity remains active. Today, it supports villagers in need with small financial grants.
The resurrected May Day gathering will now also reflect modern needs. This time, the event has been combined with efforts to support Kettering Food Bank, encouraging attendees to donate non-perishable food, toiletries, and household essentials. In doing so, the charity honours the spirit of Sir Robert’s original gift — practical, thoughtful support for those facing hardship.
Event Details
- Date: 1st May
- Time: 11:00 am
- Location: Bottom of Bakehouse Hill, Geddington
- What to bring: Optional donation for Kettering Food Bank (non-perishable items)
All are welcome to witness and take part in this symbolic occasion, whether attending to learn about village history, make a donation, or simply connect with the local community.
Further Reading
For those interested in the deeper history of the Sir Robert Dallington Charity and the May Day Bread tradition, extensive information — including lots of historical photos — can be found in the local history book Geddington As It Was, by Monica Rayne, from which the information in this article was taken.