Workington’s Uppies and Downies has not been without its tragedies in its hundreds of years of history.
The mass no-rules football series, which takes place over Easter, sees thousands of people gather in the town.
Uppies have to get a specially made ball to Workington Hall, while the Downies have to get it to the harbour to be declared the winner in the games, which take place on Good Friday, Easter Tuesday and the following Saturday.
In 2001, a plaque was installed on the bridge near Allerdale House to remember those who have lost their lives during the games.
They were George Young in 1828, Chris Smith in 1882, John Johnstone in 1932 and Robert Storey in 1983.
Not much is known about the first three deaths, but thanks to Keith Wallace’s chronicle of Uppies and Downies – The Barbarians of Workington – we know more about Mr Storey’s death in 1983.
He died during the Easter Tuesday game in the River Derwent. He was swimming towards the harbour with three other Downies when he got into difficulties.
He had told the others he was going to make for the bank and as he made his way there, shouted for help before disappearing.
A search was immediately started but he wasn’t found until Wednesday lunchtime by Maryport Inshore Rescue at Ha’Penny Billy’s Bridge, close to where he was last seen.
An inquest recorded a misadventure verdict and the coroner, who said Mr Storey had not been drinking alcohol, added that the evidence led him to believe that he had got into difficulty because of the cold temperature of the water.
In 2024, Graeme Dixon, known as Willox, died after he suffered a medical episode at Tuesday’s game.
You can find out more about the history of Uppies and Downies here.
