Actually, Very little is known about the origins of English Morris Dancing, although we do know it has been, and remains, a core part of our English heritage.
References to Morris can be found as early as 1458 but with little detail - its history is varied and sketchy.
Morris is a traditional form of dance with many variants and is as popular today, if not more so, than in the past.
Many Morris dances seen today are based on those performed around 1899-1900 when Cecil Sharpe started to collect and write them down for the first time. And no, we can't really say these are to do with fertility dances or pagan ritual as is comonly believed.
Morris Dancing appeared to die out in the earlier part of the last century, but interest was resurrected with the explosion of all things 'folk' in the late 1950's, 60's and 70's. Many of the longstanding Morris sides today were formed in that period, and many more have been formed subsequently - it is a living tradition.
There are many books which have been written about Morris Dancing, a couple of which are:
Ribbons Bells and Squeaking Fiddles - the social history of Morris dancing in the English South Midlands 1660 - 1900 by Keith Chandler, published by The Folklore Society - 1993
History and the Morris Dance - a look at Morris dancing from its earliest days until 1850 by John Cutting published by Dance Books Ltd - 2005
The Morris organisations also provide explanatory leaflets and other information. See our sponsors and Links to Morris Organisations.
English Morris Dancing is widely performed all over the world.