Derby 1086 ‘Farmstead or village where deer are kept’

‘On the 29th of May branches of young oak are gathered and put up over the doors of many houses, and a small sprig of the same tree is commonly worn in the button-hole’

Jour. Of Arch. Assoc., 1852, vol. Viii. P.206

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Formerly, in Derbyshire, it was the practice to place over the doors of houses, branches of young oak, and it is still the custom for boys to wear sprigs of the same tree in their hats and button-holes. If the lads neglect to wear the oak-leaf they are stung with nettles by their more loyal companions.

From Old Church Lore by William Andrews; William Andrews & Co., The Hull Press; London, 1891; pp. 177-185.

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Garland Day - Castleton

On or near every Royal Oak Day, the Garland King leads a procession through the streets of Castleton in Derbyshire. The King dresses in 17th Century costume but his head and the upper part of his body are completely hidden by a garland of flowers and greenery. After pausing to dance at various points along the way, the procession arrives at the village church. The garland is then pulled up to the top of the church tower and fixed to a pinnacle. The village museum display contains an outfit worn by the Garland King on Royal Oak Day or ‘Garland Day’ 200 years ago!