Was it the lively music or the rhythmic steps that first drew you in? This William Kimber Blue Plaque commemorates a man who brought English folk traditions to life. It stands here at 42 St Anne’s Road in Headington. This was once Kimber’s home, a place he aptly named Merryville.
William Kimber was born in Headington Quarry in 1872. He wasn’t born into fame or fortune. His father was a brickmaker. His mother crafted smocks. Young William left school early at age ten. He became a bird-scarer. Later, he apprenticed as a bricklayer just like his father. But William Kimber’s true calling wasn’t in bricks and mortar. It was in music and dance.
Like his father before him, William joined the local morris team. Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance. It’s characterized by rhythmic steps, bells, and handkerchiefs or sticks. Kimber played the Anglo concertina. His music breathed life into the dances.
A pivotal moment occurred on Boxing Day in 1899. The Headington Quarry morris men performed near Cecil Sharp. Sharp was a musicologist. He was captivated by the music and dance. He asked Kimber to play the tunes again. Sharp meticulously wrote them down. This encounter sparked Sharp’s passion. He began collecting folk dances. This led to the creation of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
Kimber played a vital role in the folk revival movement. Cecil Sharp acknowledged that without Kimber’s practical knowledge the movement would never have been launched. Kimber accompanied Sharp on lecture tours. He demonstrated the dances and played his concertina. William Kimber performed in prestigious venues. These included the Royal Albert Hall and the Mansion House. He even performed for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
The Music Times described Kimber in 1911. They said he resembled a Greek statue. They praised his grace and classic movements. Kimber was instrumental in keeping the Headington Quarry morris team alive. He revived it several times and taught morris dancing to local children.
William Kimber remained an active member of the morris team throughout his life. Even in old age, he played his concertina. He had a unique and inimitable style. A local street was named after him in 1958. In 1959, he unveiled a memorial plaque at Sandfield Cottage.
Kimber built Merryville in 1911. He lived there with his wife Florence and later with his second wife Bessie. He had eight children. William Kimber died in 1961. Six morris dancers carried his coffin. They were dressed in full regalia. His gravestone features carvings. These depict his concertina and bells. They serve as lasting symbols of his passion.
The unveiling ceremony for this blue plaque was held on May 30, 2011. Kimber’s granddaughter gave a tribute. His great-grandson unveiled the plaque. He even performed a solo jig. Pete Scudder played William Kimber’s concertina. The Headington Quarry Morris Dancers performed Bean Setting. This plaque serves as a reminder of William Kimber’s contribution. He preserved and promoted English folk traditions. He brought joy to countless people.