Come ye to Highgate Village for the Swearing On the Horns Ceremony and yard of ale competition! For over three centuries this strange British custom has taken place in the pubs of Highgate Village.
Even Lord Byron swore on the horns and talks about it in his poem Child Harold.
Once you have sworn on the horns you can become a freeman of highgate with many weird and wonderful privileges!
Swearing on the Horns is a farcical oath that was traditionally given to visitors at various pubs in the north London suburb of Highgateduring the 17th 18th and 19th centuries. The oath consists of a series of statements read by a clerk confirming one's dedication to merriment and debauchery; those being sworn in would agree to each statement kiss or salute a set of horns and be entered in a logbook for posterity.
The proceedings were typically overseen by the landlord—referred to as the Master the Father or the Host—often dressed in formal costume such as that of a barrister. In some houses an "initiation fee" of money or drinks was required in addition to the oath; in others the fee could be paid to bypass the ceremony altogether. Participants were then awarded the title of "Freemen of Highgate".
Event Venue
The Wrestlers, 98 North Rd, London N6 4AA, United Kingdom, London
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