In Norfolk folklore, who leaves sweets and presents for children around Valentine's Day?

In Norfolk folklore, Jack Valentine leaves sweets and presents for children around Valentine’s Day. The mysterious visitor traditionally arrives on Valentine’s Eve, often knocking at a door before disappearing.

The custom is a regional English tradition, especially associated with Norfolk and Norwich. Parents or other adults commonly play Jack’s role, leaving small gifts, sweets, cakes, or parcels for children. The surprise is part of the fun: children may hear a knock, rush to the door, and find that the visitor has vanished.

Older Norfolk customs also involved children going from house to house before dawn, reciting Valentine rhymes in hopes of receiving pennies, sweets, or cakes. Some versions added playful tricks, with parcels attached to string and pulled away as children reached for them.

Names vary by family and locality. Jack Valentine may also be called Father Valentine, Mother Valentine, or Mr Valentine, but “Jack Valentine” is the standard name used for the folklore figure in this quiz.