Teacher who preserved past
Cecil Sharp was a music teacher who is credited with reviving interest in England's traditional song and dance in the early years of the 20th century.
His interest was ignited by watching Morris dancers perform and his work took him around the country, documenting songs which were largely passed down the generations and details of traditional dances.
In some cases he was too late. Although it is believed about 100 Yorkshire communities had longsword teams, details of the dances they performed died with the last members.
However, Mr Sharp’s work has meant that revivalist teams, many formed in the 1970s, have a catalogue of material to draw upon.