About Battel Bonfire Boyes
Battel Bonfire Boyes (BBB) is the historic bonfire society of Battle, East Sussex, and claims the remarkable distinction of being the oldest bonfire society in the world.
The society can trace Battle’s organised bonfire celebrations back to 1646, when records show that St Mary’s Church allocated two shillings and sixpence towards celebrations marking the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. Later records show further money being provided for “Gunpowder Treason” rejoicing, demonstrating just how deeply the tradition is rooted in the history of the town.
The unusual spelling of “Battel Bonfire Boyes” is itself a celebration of local history. Battel was an earlier spelling of the town’s name, surviving into the nineteenth century, and the society later adopted the historic spelling as part of its identity.
Today, Battel Bonfire Boyes continues this centuries-old tradition through its annual celebrations, fundraising activities and participation in the wider Sussex bonfire community.
The Annual Bonfire Celebrations
Battle’s annual bonfire celebrations bring together members of Battel Bonfire Boyes, visiting societies and spectators for an evening of torchlit procession, bonfire and fireworks.
The procession travels through the historic centre of Battle, with the backdrop of Battle Abbey giving the event an atmosphere unlike almost anywhere else on the Sussex bonfire circuit.
Members and visiting societies process through the town carrying flaming torches, banners and ceremonial pieces before returning towards the Abbey Green. The bonfire is then lit and the evening culminates in the society’s spectacular fireworks display.
Battle’s connection with fireworks is particularly appropriate. The town once had an important gunpowder-making industry, with local mills producing gunpowder for customers including the Royal Navy.
The Oldest Guy
One of the most remarkable traditions associated with Battel Bonfire Boyes is its historic Guy Fawkes effigy.
The society believes the Guy's carved pearwood head dates from around 1795, making it what BBB describes as the oldest Guy Fawkes effigy in the world.
Traditionally, a new body would be created and burned each year while the wooden head was removed and preserved for the following celebrations. The practice of burning the body eventually ended, and today the historic Guy is preserved rather than placed on the bonfire.
During the rest of the year, the Guy can be seen at Battle Museum, before returning to take part in the town’s bonfire traditions.
Saxons and Society Tradition
Costume plays an important role in the identity of Battel Bonfire Boyes.
Saxon dress has a particularly appropriate connection with Battle and its place in the story of 1066. Records identified by the society show Saxon fancy dress appearing in the Battle procession as early as 1871, with Saxon costume officially becoming the society’s main costume around a century later.
The society has also used traditional convict dress as a secondary costume since the 1980s, adding another distinctive element to its appearance when attending celebrations around Sussex.
These costumes, together with the society’s banners, torches and historic Guy, make Battel Bonfire Boyes particularly recognisable during the bonfire season.
Community and Fundraising
Despite its extraordinary history, Battel Bonfire Boyes remains very much a living community organisation.
Members work throughout the year to raise funds and undertake the considerable preparation required to stage the annual celebrations. The society also has a long history of charitable fundraising, with street collections associated with Battle Bonfire documented as far back as the nineteenth century.
Members also travel to celebrations organised by other Sussex bonfire societies, continuing the tradition of societies supporting one another throughout the autumn bonfire season.
Membership
Battel Bonfire Boyes welcomes people interested in becoming part of the society and helping to continue its traditions.
Membership provides opportunities to participate in Battle’s celebrations, attend other bonfire events, support fundraising and become involved with the work that takes place behind the scenes.
For new members, joining BBB means becoming part of a tradition with documented roots stretching back almost four centuries.
Supporting Battel Bonfire Boyes
Organising Battle Bonfire requires considerable time, money and volunteer support.
Fundraising activities and public support help the society meet the costs of staging its celebrations and allow its members to continue preserving traditions that have survived through generations.
Battle’s bonfire history is particularly remarkable. The society remained active even during the Second World War blackouts, when the usual celebrations could not take place. According to BBB's history, a single candle was permitted to be placed each 5 November where the town's bonfire would ordinarily have stood.
From records dating back to 1646 to the torchlit processions of today, Battel Bonfire Boyes represents an extraordinary piece of living Sussex history. Through the dedication of its members and supporters, a tradition that has endured for centuries continues to burn brightly in the heart of Battle.