Who is the T'Owd Man of Wirksworth?
T'Owd Man is the unofficial mascot of the town of Wirksworth in Derbyshire. It's Derbyshire dialect for 'The Old Man', an appellation reflecting both his age and gender (obvs). His geographical origin is currently a tug-of-love between the two Derbyshire towns of Wirksworth (who have him) and nearby Bonsall (who don't). They did, but now don't )
This is the medieval bas-relief carving of T'Owd Man, found in St Mary's Church in Wirksworth. Bonsall residents suggest the artwork was stolen from Bonsall Parish Church centuries ago, but hey, they also believe Bonsall to be a kind of Area 51 in the Derbyshire Dales. The image also shows T'Owd Man as a lead miner, (a common local occupation from medieval times up until quite recently). He has a pick, and is carrying a workman's basket (known as a kibble). It is believed to be the world's first ever depiction of a miner. Quite an honour for Wirksworth (or Bonsall).
This second image shows him in Border Morris regalia, and was found in Wirksworth resident Mr Andrew Martin's garden shed a few years back. It should be said that its provenance as a genuine medieval artefact is considered perhaps more dubious than Bonsall's claim to the 'Leadminer' version of T'Owd Man.
Occasionally joining us "Bonsworth", is our morris side mascot.
One of our members decided that we needed a mascot and got busy with some needles, buttons, fabric and stuffing. His name came about after a competition within the group and one member suggested the fusion of both Bonsall and Wirksworth as a nod to his shared history.
He also features on our flag. If you see it at a festival site, we'll probably be dancing somewhere close by, or be in the bar tent.
