Christopher Howse

The mysterious world of British folk costume

Christopher Howse marvels at straw bears, hobby horses, 11ft wicker men and people covered in burdock burrs

Covered in thousands of burdock burrs, the Burry Man of South Queensferry, West Lothian, cannot put his arms to his side or they’d be stuck as if by Velcro, so two attendants help him walk along for hours holding two tall sticks. Credit: Burry Man South Queensferry 2013 by Oliver Benton
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