The Greaze
The Greaze is an annual pancake-toss and scramble tradition held "Up School" at Westminster School, London, on Shrove Tuesday. The event involves the ceremonial tossing of a large horsehair pancake over a high iron bar and a scramble by students to claim portions; the student who secures the largest portion by weight is awarded a prize. The Dean of Westminster traditionally petitions for a half-holiday following the event.
History
The Greaze has been held "Up School" annually on Shrove Tuesday since at least 1753. It is mentioned by Jeremy Bentham, and William Hone quotes a 1790 reference.The head cook ceremoniously tosses a pancake over a 20 foot high iron bar; members of the school fight for the pancake for up to one minute. The pupil who gets the largest weight is awarded a gold sovereign and the Dean "begs a Play" for the whole School.
Michael Longford, author of the memoir "The Path that Led to Africa", describes winning The Greaze in 1943: "I was the tallest boy in line so it landed squarely in my arms. The next two minutes were sheer torture. I was flat on my stomach with what seemed like a hundred hands clawing at me, and a mass of writhing bodies above me making breathing virtually impossible. When the judge's whistle blew...I was the winner of the Greaze, though it was entirely a matter of luck rather than skill."
Over the years, the precise rituals and practicalities have evolved, but the essential format has remained: the cook tosses the pancake, students scramble, judges weigh portions, and the winner is declared. Historically, a cook failing to lob the pancake over the bar might be “booked” or subjected to light teasing, though that practice has since lapsed. Fancy dress is now common for participants.