Easter traditions, Jack O’Lent and riots
Jack O’Lent is Medieval to early Modern Eastern tradition in London and some other areas of the country.
On Ash Wednesday at the beginning of Lent a straw man was constructed of straw, rags and herring skins. It was stoned with attempts to destroy it during the weeks of Lent, the supposed motivation being discontent with the privations of Lent.
If it survived it was finally disposed of just before Easter to mark a period of feasting and celebration. It was also of course traditional that in Bristol in 1749 there were Jack O Lent riots over the imposition of toll roads.
Revolt is never far away with folk customs
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