Plans to construct 250 new homes on 35 acres of farmland in Ashbourne could significantly impact the town's Royal Shrovetide Football tradition, a custom with roots dating back to the 12th century and formally played since 1667. The proposed development is located off Green Road, near the Sturston Mill goal, a critical area for the game.
Steve Jones, secretary of the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football Committee, has formally opposed the development, stating it would cause "significant harm to Ashbourne's most important culture and economic assets." He explained that the proximity of the planned homes to the Sturston Mill goal would "obstruct a large proportion of the gameplay area," fundamentally undermining the game's historic operation and potentially damaging tourism and the local economy.
The Royal Shrovetide Football game involves two teams, the Up'Ards and the Down'Ards, representing residents north and south of the Henmore Brook, respectively. The game, played annually on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, has no conventional pitch or fixed boundaries. Play begins each day at 2 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m., with goals situated three miles apart at Sturston Mill and Clifton Mill.
A petition opposing the housing plans has gathered over 670 signatures, with organizers like Brett O'Connell warning of an "irreversible threat" to the town's heritage. O'Connell noted that while developers are aware of the issue and have proposed keeping some open space, the game's unpredictable nature means it does not adhere to planned routes.
Developer Hallam Land Management has defended its plans, asserting they will provide a "sensitively designed residential addition to Ashbourne" and that the site's constraints and opportunities have been carefully considered. The Royal Shrovetide Football remains a prominent event in the town's calendar.
The game itself features few conventional rules, allowing participants considerable latitude in moving the ball, which weighs around 4 pounds and is filled with cork to make it float. A specific role is held by the 'turner up,' a respected local chosen to start the game by throwing the ball into the air. Past 'turners-up' have included King Charles III. While certain locations like churchyards are off-limits, an earlier ban was introduced on motorized vehicles to prevent players from absconding with the ball.
