Kenilworth Castle is bringing back the all-but-lost tradition of 'skipping day' as part of its Easter events this year, the charity announced today (6 April).

At the height of its popularity, 'skipping day' would have seen crowds of people, old and young, take to the streets on Good Friday, often using a repurposed washing line in lieu of a rope, in a tradition that was believed to help the crops grow. 

A new survey reveals that, now, most people do not know that skipping was an Easter custom and had never heard of 'skipping day'.

English Heritage senior historian, Amy Boyington, said: "During the twentieth century, whole families would try to skip all day on Good Friday, eating hot cross buns to keep them going.

"They believed skipping would bring good luck and guarantee good harvests or catches of fish in the coming year.

"We would love to hear from anyone who remembers – or has a relative who remembers – skipping on Good Friday. The rhymes that would have undoubtedly accompanied these Easter games are largely forgotten too, which is such a shame as oral tradition is so important in our understanding of social history."

Most skipping games involve three or more people, two swinging a long rope while the third person skips, or two people skip together. In the more difficult game, two ropes are swung at the same time, one following the other, so the skippers must jump twice as fast. 

The rhymes recited by players clearly followed current affairs of the time. In the 1940s, they mentioned the war or rationing; during the 1960s, new inventions like bubble cars, 'sputnik' satellites or television. 

Over the Easter weekend, English Heritage's Easter Escapades will see historical performers enter the arena as they compete against each other in traditional Easter-themed games. 

Easter Escapades will take place at eight English Heritage sites from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April including Kenilworth Castle.

Find out more here.

And for more local events, head to our What's On section.

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