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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Padstow
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(40km/25m N of Truro) Town in north Cornwall, on the estuary of the river Camel. It is known for the Padstow hobby horse, a *May Day festivity recorded here since the early 19C but no doubt of earlier origin. The 'horse', consisting of a man concealed within a circular tent of black tarpaulin topped by a mask, dances through the streets. He is teased by the crowd, and from time to time will make a dash to try and corner a young girl. If he succeeds, he will envelop her in his long black cloak and pinch her – a certain sign of good luck, guaranteeing a husband or a baby in the near future.
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