Origin

• Hocktide dates back to the 11th century, when a festival was held on the second Monday and Tuesday after Easter Sunday. The origin of the name Hocktide is a mystery, possibly derived from the Saxon "Heah-tit" or "high festival." There are several theories about why people celebrated Hocktide. Some say the festival celebrates the massacre of the Danes of England or the death of Harthacanute. The festival also marks the end of the medieval financial year, with the payment of end-of-year accounts and changing of public office holders. The events observed during the Hocktide festival in Hungerford dates back to Prince John of Gaunt in the 14th century when he offered the rights of free grazing and fishing on common land to the commoners.