Monument record 130/51 - St Andrew's Fair

A medieval fair held in Brackley. It is first mentioned in 1329-30.

{1}A medieval fair was presumably, together with the market, part of the original foundation of the town, though it is first specifically mentioned only in 1329-30. Held on the feast of St. Andrew it is unusual in being held on the feast day of the dedication saint of Halse chapel rather than of either the mother church of Brackley (St. Peter) or of the town chapel (St. James). In 1329 the fair was confirmed as being held on the eve, day and morrow of the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). Given the importance of the wool trade to the commercial life of Brackley it is clear from the date of the fair that the fair was not relevant to the trade in wool

Throughout its history the fair was presumably held in the market place and streets of the town, being specifically described in 1670 as ‘the Street Fayre’. It is clear that the 1585 fair was held in the street, with barriers being set out to control the stock which were for sale. There is no detail in 1585 of the full range of goods sold or their relative importance, however the total toll taken may provide guide to the relative importance of the various stock: hogs and cattle were more important than horses, while sheep did not appear at all.

{1}1330 fair St.Andrew exists

<1> Ballinger J.; Foard G., 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Brackley, Section 3.2.4 Vicarage (Digital archive). SNN100499.

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

Record last edited

Jul 21 2022 8:30AM