The Greaze
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Greaze (also known as the Pancake Greaze) is an annual pancake-toss and scramble tradition held "Up School" at Westminster School, London, on Shrove Tuesday. The event involves the ceremonial tossing of a large horsehair pancake over a high iron bar and a scramble by students to claim portions; the student who secures the largest portion by weight is awarded a prize. The Dean of Westminster traditionally petitions for a half-holiday (“a play”) following the event.
| The Greaze | |
|---|---|
The Greaze | |
| Status | Active |
| Date | Shrove Tuesday since c1753 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location | Westminster School Hall "Up School" |
| Participants | Students at Westminster School |
| Budget | One Gold Sovereign |
| Activity | Pancake Toss |
| Patron | Dean of Westminster |
| People | Headmaster |
| Website | https://www.westminster.org.uk |
History
The Greaze has been held "Up School" annually on Shrove Tuesday since at least 1753. It is mentioned by Jeremy Bentham, and William Hone quotes a 1790 reference. [1]
The head cook ceremoniously tosses a pancake over a 20 foot high iron bar; members of the school fight for the pancake for up to one minute. The pupil who gets the largest weight is awarded a gold sovereign and the Dean "begs a Play" (a half day off school) for the whole School. [2]
Michael Longford, author of the memoir "The Path that Led to Africa", describes winning The Greaze in 1943: "I was the tallest boy in line so it [the pancake] landed squarely in my arms. The next two minutes were sheer torture. I was flat on my stomach with what seemed like a hundred hands clawing at me, and a mass of writhing bodies above me making breathing virtually impossible. When the judge's whistle blew...I was the winner of the Greaze, though it was entirely a matter of luck rather than skill." [3]
Over the years, the precise rituals and practicalities have evolved, but the essential format has remained: the cook tosses the pancake, students scramble, judges weigh portions, and the winner is declared. [2] Historically, a cook failing to lob the pancake over the bar might be “booked” or subjected to light teasing (formerly via being pelted with Latin primers), though that practice has since lapsed.[2] Fancy dress is now common for participants. [1]
See also
- Westminster School
- Westminster School Hall (Up School)