For more than three centuries, the residents of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, have participated in the Royal Shrovetide Football match, a sprawling two-day event held annually on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. This historic game, which dates back to 1667 and has roots reaching the 12th century, features two teams—the Up’Ards, those born north of Henmore Brook, and the Down’Ards, born south of the river—competing across the town’s streets, fields, and waterways. The goals are located three miles apart at Sturston Mill and Clifton Mill, with play lasting from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. each day.

However, the future of this traditional event is now under threat due to proposed housing developments. Planning applications have been submitted for approximately 425 new homes on 35 acres of farmland off Green Road, near the Sturston Mill goal. Organizers and supporters of the game fear that these developments could significantly disrupt the match’s historic playing area.

Steve Jones, secretary of the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football Committee, has formally opposed the proposals in correspondence with the local council. He warned that the proximity of the new housing to the Sturston Mill goal could “obstruct a large proportion of the gameplay area.” Jones also raised concerns about the potential impact of a planned drainage system in the southern part of the site, describing it as “a deep, steep-sided and muddy pit” that could pose safety risks and hinder the game’s progress. He argued that these factors could compromise the match’s traditional character, cause cultural harm, and negatively affect Ashbourne’s economy, including tourism.

A petition organized by Brett O’Connell has gathered over 670 signatures, highlighting public concern that the housing plans represent an “irreversible threat” to the town’s heritage. O’Connell noted that the unpredictable nature of the game, which does not follow fixed routes, means that even areas left as open space by developers may not be sufficient to preserve the event’s integrity. He also suggested that new residents might be unprepared for the disruption caused by the match.

The developer, Hallam Land Management, defended the planning applications, emphasizing the sustainable location and the intention to deliver a “locally distinctive design” with “high quality placemaking principles.” A spokesperson stated that the proposals take into account the site’s constraints and opportunities, aiming to create a thoughtfully designed residential area that integrates with the existing town.

The Derbyshire Dales District Council is now reviewing the applications, with decisions expected in the coming months. The Up’Ards won this year’s match with a 3-0 scoreline.

In a separate matter unrelated to the Royal Shrovetide Football, veteran actress Dame Maureen Lipman has publicly challenged actor Gerard McCarthy following his withdrawal from a London stage production. McCarthy cited Lipman’s political views on Israel and Palestine as the reason for his decision not to promote the show, which is scheduled to run on World Suicide Prevention Day. Lipman described McCarthy’s actions as “virtue-signalling” and urged him to engage with her directly rather than withdraw silently. McCarthy stated his discomfort with endorsing a co-star whose political positions differ from his own but did not seek changes in casting. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions in the arts regarding political expression and professional collaboration.