As dusk falls on Valentine’s Day, the excitement amongst the children of Norfolk grows as they wait for that knock on the door or ring of the doorbell. While their parents may have received a loving card from an admirer declaring their affection, the children are waiting for Jack Valentine.
Tricks and Treats
“He would knock on doors and hide out of sight,” says Shirley, remembering her childhood in the 1950s.
“Sometimes he would leave a small gift – sweets or a colouring book. But sometimes, it was only a lump of coal or firewood wrapped in newspaper for Dad to use to make a fire to keep us warm.”
Jack Valentine, also known as Father Valentine or Mother Valentine, was always elusive. But following the evening’s ring and run, there would always be a little something left on the doorstep.
Yet, the gift-giving wasn’t always straightforward, as Shirley recalls. “Sometimes, as I bent to pick up the present, it suddenly moved out of reach! Oh this was so frightening, on the doorstep, on a dark February night.”
“This was just one of the tricks he used to play on us,” says Margaret. “Of course as children, my brother and I never suspected that a piece of string was attached to the gift, and that someone was hiding in the shadows and pulling it out of our reach.”
Ingenuity
Parents and their collaborating neighbours and relatives were quite ingenious in their deceptions. Disguising their involvement, adults might rig a long string around the house, attached to the door knocker. So, while at the table having tea with their children, they could cause the much awaited knock to occur and pretend to be as surprised at their offspring.
Continuing the tradition
Although the tradition seems to have been mainly in Norfolk, it has spread across the country and even across the globe as families have moved away. And though the tradition and knowledge of Jack Valentine seems to have gradually been forgotten, there are still pockets in Norfolk where it is celebrated.
“Jack Valentine always gave my sister and me presents,” says Jenny, “and I used to do it for my kids when they were little. Probably until they were 10 years old. I would ask the neighbours to leave a present at the front door,” she confesses, “ring the bell and run. It was colouring books, comics and penny sweets.”
With her daughter expecting her first child, Jenny is hopeful that Jack Valentine will be visiting again soon.
So maybe this Valentine’s day, whether you live in Norfolk or elsewhere, the mysterious, mischievous Jack Valentine might make an appearance at your door, delight your children and spread a bit more love!
