Monument record 4156/12 - Rockingham Fair

A metal detecting survey could be conducted on the suggested later 17th to 19th century fair site to the north west of the village to determine if there are artefact which might confirm its use. A similar survey on the market place might yield some evidence as to the length of time over which the market and fair functioned here.

{1} A fair was already in existence in Rockingham in 1223, held by Eleanor, the king's grandmother. In 1300 the right to hold a fair at the Exaltation of the Cross, was granted to the Earl of Cornwall. The fair continued through the late medieval period. The fair continued to be held in 1849, on the 25th September, in 1891 it was reported that the celebrated horse fair 'still lingers on', and a large fair for horses and cattle was still being held annually in the village on the 25th September in 1901. A field called Cow Fair in 1806 may represent the site of the fair in the 18th and 19th century, an area which had been open field in 1615, perhaps transferred here as a result of the enclosure of the market place in the 17th century.

{4}1300 fair of the Exaltation of the cross.

<1> FOARD G., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Rockingham (Medieval and Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100473.

<2> 1615, Map of Rockingham 1615, (unchecked) (Map). SNN100477.

<3> Eagle J., 1806, Map of The Estates of The Right Honourable Lewis Richard, Lord Sondes at Rockingham, Cottingham, (unchecked) (Map). SNN100475.

<4> Taylor J.; Foard G.; Ballinger J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Overview, Appendix 2 (Report). SNN103118.

Record last edited

Jul 23 2009 1:09PM