The
original Horwich Morris Dancers were formed in 1891 as a
response to dancers from Chorley appearing in the first
Horwich Rose Festival. The team, trained by local man Harry
Barlow, made its debut in the 1892 Rose Festival.
In 1893 Horwich won a major competition in Rochdale. The
prize of 2 guineas was augmented by local tradesmen so that
each member could be presented with a medal. When a junior
team was formed in 1895 the men's team became known as Horwich
Prize Medal Morris Dancers.
On
June 20th 1903 Horwich danced with 5 other teams in a major
competition at Crewe Hospital Gala. Their prize for winning
was 5 guineas, and later each man was presented with an
inscribed medal. The present team wear replicas made from
a cast of one of these medals.
At
Sowerby Bridge Rushcart in 1906 Horwich were described as
"World Champions" since they had won the prestigious
Crewe competition two years running. The team disbanded
in 1914 at the outbreak of World War I, though teams of
children and young women continued to dance through the
1920's.
