‘A 17th-Century Christmas’

Frost Fairs, Wassails and Twelfth Night revels – Christmas in the 17th century was an extravagant affair!

In Oxford, the Boar’s Head Feast was held in Queen’s College, while Lords of Misrule presided in St John’s. The Puritans considered the whole festival a hotch-potch of Catholic and pagan idolatry and when they came to power after the Civil War they banned Christmas itself. But the high jinks returned with the Restoration, and with them arrived a new figure to preside over the celebrations – in the person of Father Christmas.

Join Tim Healey for a very seasonally appropriate Lunchtime Talk, painting a vibrant portrait of winter festivities in a turbulent age.

Tickets cost £6 and are available online via Eventbrite (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.