Scrumpty [Waterwells Primary Academy]

Running from the beginning of August until the end of October 2015 during the height of Gloucester's festival season, a series of sculptures will be appearing on the streets and green spaces of the city. The Where's Scrumpty trail will see five-foot tall sculptures based on a local legend* but with a twist: the character has taken the nickname 'Scrumpty' to celebrate the inclusion of Gloucester as a host city for this year's Rugby World Cup.

 

Local schools and organisations were invited to design miniature Scrumpties, with the overall winner having the honour of their design being replicated on a full-size version to be included in the sculpture trail. These are the runner-up entries, which were on display at Gloucester Cathedral before the Gloucester Carnival parade.

 

*Who is Scrumpty?

Based on a local Gloucester legend, during the English Civil War Siege of Gloucester in 1643, King Charles I's army was camped at Llanthony Priory just outside the medieval city walls. A brand new siege engine was to be used to knock down the ancient city walls of Gloucester. This siege engine was nicknamed 'Humpty Dumpty' apparently after a well-known and rather rotund Member of Parliament named Humphrey.

On its first use, Humpty Dumpty collapsed, causing it to break apart, hence the famous nursery rhyme line, "All the King's horses and all the King's men, couldn't put Humpty together again".

For the year 2015, the city of Gloucester has adopted the character of Humpty Dumpty, but as it's a big year for sport he's put on his rugby jersey and boots and taken the name 'Scrumpty' to help celebrate with the country's most passionate rugby fans.

 

 

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