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
Sovereign Mercia adopted 2008), with the aim of promoting the pre-Christian Mercian religion, a branch of Anglo-Saxon paganism, taking as its inspiration texts such as the "Prose Edda" and "Oera Linda Book". It also became involved in the campaign for access to ancient sacred sites, such as stone circles. From 1993 it has held its annual conference during the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance each September in Staffordshire, and from 2015 at the Middle Earth Festival, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham. Its policies include the establishment of a legislature chosen by lot (sortition), an annually elected head of government, and a Pagan religious order of