Goathland Plough Stots

Based in the village of Goathland, nine miles from Whitby, the Goathland Plough Stots are the only team left in an area where almost every village once boasted a team. They are one of the five traditional sword dance teams with a written history which can be traced back to 1812 and through linked accounts back to c1756.  The striking kit is based upon the nineteenth century local political colours. The Plough Stots traditional time to dance is Plough Saturday in early January, so it is always a pleasure to dance in the balmy warmth of Whitby Folk Week.