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
East Staffordshire East Staffordshire East Staffordshire is a local government district with borough status in Staffordshire in England. It has two main towns: Burton upon Trent, famous for its breweries, and Uttoxeter, renowned for its racecourse. Villages in the area include Abbots Bromley, Tutbury, Barton-under-Needwood, Rolleston on Dove, Hanbury, Kingstone, Marchington, Mayfield and The Heath. The borough was formed on 1 April 1974 by the merger of the former county borough of Burton upon Trent with Urban District of Uttoxeter, and Rural Districts of Tutbury and Uttoxeter. Since 2011, East Staffordshire has formed part of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise