Abbots Bromley Horn Dance custom was also present at that time but not commented upon by the writer. A carbon analysis discovered that the antlers used in the dance date to the 11th century – though these may well have replaced an even older set. According to some, the use of antlers suggests an Anglo-Saxon origin along with other native Anglo-Saxon traditions that have survived into modern times in various forms. It has been speculated, for example, that the dance originated in the pagan period and was connected with the ruling dynasty of Mercia, based some 15 miles away at Tamworth, who owned extensive
Abbots Bromley "Bromley Abbatis" to Sir William Paget, Clerk of the Signet and Privy Councillor. The village was known as "Paget's Bromley" for several centuries, (distinguishing it from the part of the parish in the hands of the Bagot family, still known as "Bagot's Bromley") but eventually the influence of the Paget family declined, and the name reverted to "Abbots Bromley". Despite being an agricultural centre on account of its market and fairs, Abbots Bromley enjoyed some industrial success. In the 16th century it was a major centre for glass manufacture. In 1606 it gained a grammar school, now Richard Clarke First