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The Lewes Rouser Squib - Lewes Bonfire Celebrations

« Bonfire Night / Event Dates 2011

July 29, 2011 at 21:40 by v

The Lewes Rouser . .

Time was when, in the minds of men,
I were a thing of joy untold.
My memories ring when I reigned as king,
In the bygone days of old.

Oh! I whizzed through the night in a fiery flight,
right in the midst of the fray,
into the throng, scurrying along,
I wound my sinuous way.

I scattered the mud like the flying scud,
I leapt through the firelit space,
belching sparks, leaving my marks,
I darted from place to place.

See, the maidens fly with a frightened cry,
I laugh at their great distress.
But the faster they run, the greater the fun,
for my unwelcome attentions I press.

On the county hall my sparks would fall
on the maid of justices frail,
By the bishops face I would madly race,
leaving a blazing trail.

Away I would dart to the old white hart,
scattering the mob far and near,
then back with a rush into the crush
I banged out my mad career.

+ + + + + + + + + +

Now an empty shuck, I lay in the ruck,
a victim to bigot and spleen,
despite all entreats I`m barred from the streets,
the streets where my home once had been.

Though my glory is past, my memories may last,
and be sung by poet and bard,
Remember, remember, oh boys of November,
that at least I died hard.

Squib : 1907

Lewes Rouser : Squib

The above poem refers to The Lewes Rouser or Squib which was a home made firework about 6″ long with a thickness of a marker pen, the Lewes Rouser had a very unpredictable nature and basically it would shoot along the ground in many different directions and climbing up walls emitting fiery sparks before going bang, but in what direction it was anyone’s guess. The Lewes Rouser or Squib was banned by the authorities in 1904 and by the bonfire society’s in the 50s that’s not to say they were not seen any more!, in fact I have seen several variations fairly recently.

The Lewes Rouser was unpredictable in manufacture as well, with many tales of front doors being blown of its hinges in little 2 up / 2 down town houses where a rouser has blown up whilst drying out in a cast iron pan on top of the fire stove ! . The Lewes Rouser was also used at times to help clear out many a chimney in big posh houses and buildings.