Monument record 1623/6 - Brixworth Market

{1} In 1253 Simon Fitz-Simon received a grant of a weekly market, to be held on a Tuesday in his manor at Brixworth. This market was certainly established and must have prospered, at least initially, for in 1275-6 reference was made to Brixworth market, together with six others as posing a threat to Northampton market and which the community of Northampton claimed should be removed. In 1329 John de Verdun still claimed, by the same charter, the right to hold a weekly market on a Tuesday in his manor of Brixworth, with liberties of pillory and tumbrel, and also an annual fair. John was however accused of abuses of his privileges by allowing infractions of the assize of bread and ale to be punished by payment of fines rather than by pillory and tumbrel, the designated punishment.
There is no later record of the market and it therefore seems likely that it decayed, like so many others, as a result of the major economic recession of the second half of the 14th century. It had certainly long since gone by the early 18th century. By 1720 the fair at Brixworth continued to be held, though now on the Monday after Ascension day. It was still being held as late as 1849, though once more on the 5th June.

<1> Taylor J.; Foard G.; Ballinger J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Overview, Appendix 2 (checked) (Report). SNN103118.

Record last edited

Apr 25 2008 4:30PM