On 2nd February every year in the Suffolk town of Woodbridge, children go to a pub to eat jam rolls. This is to celebrate a tradition known as Carlow’s Dole, and this has been happening for almost 300 years.
Who Was George Carlow?
George Carlow was a man who lived near what is now The Bull pub. When he died in 1738, he left money behind with the instruction to “Give bread to the poor of Woodbridge.”
Back then, his gift of 20 shillings could buy around 120 loaves of bread.
This Year’s Celebration
This year, 31 pupils from St Mary’s Primary School went to The Bull on Market Hill, where they were welcomed by Fr Nigel Prior from St Mary’s Church, who helped host the event.
Each child received a soft roll filled with jam as a reminder of George Carlow’s kindness.
It Happens on Candlemas Day?
Candlemas Day is celebrated 40 days after Christmas. It’s an important church day and has always been linked with helping others, which makes it the perfect time for a tradition like Carlow’s Dole.
Bread used to be handed out from the top of George Carlow’s tombstone! Today, that isn’t possible, but the pub connection continues.
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