% L • .t FAIRS, PAST AND PRESENT. FAIRS, PAST AND PRESENT: CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY. OF COMMERCE. CORNELIUS WALFORD, F.I.A., F.S.S., BarriJlcr-at-Laiu, and Vice-Prefdent of Royal Hijlorical Society, LONDON: ELLIOT STOCK, 6 2, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. 1883. PREFACE. T Teems a little remarkable that an in- ftitution at once To popular and To univerTal as Tairs fliould not heretoTore have Tound an hiftorian. The Taft may perhaps be accounted Tor in the circumftance that Tairs, as now regarded, are aflociated with notions oT Trivolity. Many oT the circumftances connefted with their origin are certainly not gene¬ rally known. They were the produft oT a blending oT Religion with Commerce, Tuited to the genius oT Tormer ages, but finding little Tympathy now. They have been aflociated with the development oT com¬ merce in the nations oT Europe—perhaps in the nations oT the world. The materials Tor Tuch a hiftory are reaTonably abundant upon diligent Tearch. They do not lie upon the TurTace. Prolonged inveftigation revealed To much, that Tor the purpoTe oT this work Tome Teleftion became neceflary. I had to confider whether it would be more inftruftive to preTent the incomplete outline oT a number oT Tairs ranging throughout the world, or to Teleft Tome oT the prin- VI Preface. cipal ones at home and abroad, paft and prefent, and trace minutely their origin, their development, and their decadence. I determined upon the latter courfe; and this, too, notwithftanding that Mr. Henry Morley had already traced in much detail one of the great fairs whose records it would be¬ come neceflary for me to traverfe. I was chiefly led to the decifion ftated from the fadt that the greateft fair ever held in this country, and held for many centuries—that of Sturbridge , by Cambridge—had hitherto found no hiftorian; yet many of its annals are on record in a form of undoubted authenticity. It feemed to me that it would be more inftrudtive to follow fuch a hiftory through its fucceflive phafes than to prefent a feries of minor {ketches, however varied the details fhould be. I truft it may be felt that I have feledted the right courfe. The other materials brought together are not loft; they are only held over, and will receive the benefit of fome additions and correc¬ tions. They can be had when called for, and they will reveal much that is new, even after this work fhall have been read. The greateft fair in England was that of Stur¬ bridge ; the greateft fair in London that of St. Bartholomew, Smithfield. Their hiftories are here given. They have fome points of refemblance; but on the whole they reprefent two really diftindt pidlures of old Englifti manners. The fairs of Continental Europe required fome elucidation. I have given therefore an outline of feveral of the more notable fairs of France, includ- Preface. vii ing thofe moft famous gatherings of the middle ages at Champagne and Brie. Concerning thefe latter I have been able to prefent fome original documents, forming part of the records of the City of London,' and now for the firft time printed. Many of thefe fairs are things of the paft. I have addpd an outline of the fairs of Russia, including the great fair of Nijni-Novgorod, becaufe thefe are institutions of the prefent. I think the hiftory of this laft-named fair has not previously been written in fuch detail. I truft that the work will be found reafonably free alike from author’s and from printer’s errors. C. W. Belsize Park Gardens, London, February , 1883. ERRATA. Page 17, firft line, read dieta for didla. Pages 20, 21, 22, for Magna Carter read Magna Charta. Page 21 (note), fixth line, after “ Saxon ” read Tboll, Low Latin. Page 245, nine lines from bottom, for “ a.d. 427,” read in the fifth century. CONTENTS. \ PAGE Chapter I. Origin of Fairs ..... i II. Origin and Laws—England . . 12 III. Early Regulations—England . . 19 IV. Courts of Piepowder .... 26 V. Legi(lation for Fairs—England . . 32 VI. Modern Legiflation .... 49 VII. Sturbridge Fair, Origin of . . .54 VIII. Sturbridge Fair, Thirteenth and Four¬ teenth Centuries . . . .58 IX. Sturbridge Fair, firft half of the Six¬ teenth Century .... 68 X. Sturbridge Fair, fecond half of the Sixteenth Century ... 88 XI. Sturbridge Fair, Seventeenth Century . 113 XII. Sturbridge Fair, Eighteenth Century . 128 XIII. Sturbridge Fair, Nineteenth Century . 149 XIV. Sturbridge Fair, Conclufion . .160 XV. Bartholomew Fair, Origin of . .164 XVI. Bartholomew Fair, Twelfth to Sixteenth Centuries . . . . .167 XVII. Bartholomew Fair, Seventeenth Century 190 XVIII. Bartholomew Fair, Eighteenth and Nine¬ teenth Centuries . . . .217 b \ X Contents , PAGE Chapter XIX. Fairs in France . . . . ' 245 XX. Other Fairs of France . . . 261 XXI. The Fairs of Paris . . . 275 XXII. Fairs of Ruffia ..... 284 XXIII. Nijni-Novgorod. .... 291 XXIV. Fairs in Afiatic Ruffia. . . . 308 Comprehenfive Index. . . .311- CHAPTER I. ORIGIN OF FAIRS. HE origin of Fairs, like that of many other ancient inftitutions, is involved in much obfcurity. The almoft uni- verfal belief is that they were alfociated with religious obfervances; or, as Mr. Morley poetically puts it : “ the firft fairs were formed by the gathering of worlhippers and pilgrims about facred places, and efpecially within or about the walls of abbeys and cathedrals, on the Feaft days of the Saints enlhrined therein.” The facred build¬ ing and its furroundings being too fmall to provide accommodation, tents were pitched; and as the re- fources of the diftridt would no more fuffice to victual than to lodge its throngs of vifitors, ftalls were fet up by provifion dealers; and later thefe were turned to more general purpofes of trade. This incidental origin feems, in fome cafes, hardly fufficient to account for the refults which followed; A.3 B 2 Origin of Fairs. but then it has ever been the genius of commerce to follow clofe upon the wants of the people. The establishment of fairs as a fource of revenue to religious houfes was probably a later development. The Church has always been keenly alive to its tem¬ poral interests. And while it was one of its prin¬ cipal functions to administer hofpitality to the needy and decrepit, there was juftice in drawing contribu¬ tions from thofe who too foon might have to rely upon its bounty. Certain it is that nearly all the early charters which I jfhall have to notice in the progrefs of this work were Shaped in view of grant¬ ing tolls and revenue to the purpofes of religion and charity. The Signification of the word Fair (French foire) is in the Lati n forum a market-place, or ferine holidays. But the German designation Meffen feems Still more Significant, as being a word employed to denote the moft folemn part of the Church fervice—the mafs (Latin miff a). The aSTociation of ideas here implied strengthens with every Step of investigation. In the time of ConStantine the Great (fourth century of Christian era) Jews, Gentiles, and Christians affembled in great numbers to perform their feveral rites about a tree reputed to be the oak mambre under which Abraham received the angels. At the fame place, adds ZoSimus, there came together many traders, both for fale and purchafe of their wares. St. BaSil, towards the clofe of the Sixth century, complained (De AJcetifis ) that his own Church was profaned by the public fairs held at the martyr’s Shrines. While Michaud (“Hiftory of Origin of Fairs. 3 Crufades,” i., 11) records that under the Fatimite Caliphs, in the eleventh century, a fair was held on Mount Calvary on the 15th September every year, in which were exchanged the productions of Europe for those of the Eaft. Gibbori implies an earlier date, in ftating that it was promoted by the frequent pilgrimages between the feventh and the eleventh centuries. This Fair was of special importance in the commerce of the Italians with the Eaft. , Vide Cunningham’s “ Growth of Englilh Induftry and Commerce,” 18 8 2, p. 120, n. Thefe notes are but preliminary and introductory: the inquiry has now to take a wider range. Greece. —The aftociation of commerce with re¬ ligious obfervances feems indeed not to have origi¬ nated in or with the Chriftian Church. It is fup- pofed for inftance that at the celebrated Greek games, fuch as thofe at Olympia, &c., trade was no entirely fubordinate objeCt; and this idea gains confirmation from various paffages in the ancient claflic authors. Cicero expreflly ftates that even fo early as the age of Pythagoras, a great number of people attended the religious games for the fpecial purpofe of trading. At Delphi, Nemaea, Delos, or the Ifthmus of Corinth, a fair was held almoft every year. The AmphyCtionic fairs were held twice a year. In the time of Chryfoftom, thefe fairs were infamoufly diftinguiftied for a traffic in flaves, def¬ ined for public incontinence. 1 The AmphyCtionic 1 We fhall find that at a later period the Tale of flaves was introduced into the fairs and markets of England and the north of Europe generally. 4 Origin of Fairs. Ipring fair was held at Delphi, and the autumn fair at Thermopylae: in fauindifmes y Taxes, and divers other payments to the King and Queen’s Majefties, which at this prefent they be not able to pay and bear, but to their utter Undoing, being few in number to pay and bear the fame; but alfo the fame Cities &c. are likely to come very fhortly to utter definition, ruin and decay; (3) by reafon whereof the occu¬ piers, Linendrapers, woollen-drapers, Haberdafhers and Grocers dwelling in the Counties out of the faid Cities &c. do not only occupy the art and myflery of the faid Sciences in the places where they dwell and inhabit, but alfo come into the faid Cities See. and there fell their wares, and take away the Relief of the inhabitants of the faid Cities &c. to the great decay and utter undoing of the inhabi¬ tants of the fame, if fpeedy reformation therein be not had in time convenient. (4) For remedy whereof and for the better amendment of the faid Cities &c. to the end that the fame Cities &c. may be better able to pay the faid Fee-farms, and alfo to bear the other ordinary charges within the fame Cities See. and to furnifh the King and Queen’s majeflies with numbers ot able perfons, like as they have heretofore done in times paft, in times of War. Legiflation for Fairs in England. 43 It was enacted. That any perfon or perfons which do now inhabit and dwell, or hereafter lhall inhabit and dwell in the Country anywhere, or County within this Realm of England , out of any of the faid Cities, Boroughs, Towns Corporate or Market Towns, from and after the Feaft of St .Michael the archangel next coming, Jhall not Jell or cauje to be fold by retail , any woollen cloth. Linen Cloth, Haberdalhery wares, Grocery wares. Mercery wares; at or within any of the faid Cities &c., or within the Suburbs or Liberties of the faid Cities, &c., within the faid Realm of England (1 except it be in open Fairs') upon pain of forfeiting 6 s. 8 d. and the whole Wares fo fold, proffered and offered to be fold contrary to the form and intent of this ac 5 t as above is faid. But all fuch perfons might fell their produces wholefale; and perfons dwelling in the Country, but afterwards becoming free of any City &c. would be thus placed outfide the operation of this ad. And perfons might fell by retail all manner of Cloth, Linen or Woollen of our making anywhere notwithftanding this a< 5 t. “ Provided alway that this ad or anything therein contained fhall not be prejudicial or hurtful to the Liberties and Privileges of the Univerfities of Cambridge and Oxford , or either of them.” Horfe Fairs. —1555. The 2 and 3 Philip and Mary, c. 7 related to the facilities for dealing in ftolen horfes, which it was attempted to check by having duly appointed fairs for fuch dealings. This Ad gave rife to the holding of “Horfe Fairs” feparately from other fairs. The Ad: 31 of Eliza- 44 Legijlation for Fairs in England. beth c. 12 (1589) required a record to be kept of all horfes fold at fairs. Plague. —1625. The importance rightly attached from a fanitary point of view to the gathering of large multitudes together at fairs is manifefted in a very ample degree in a Royal Proclamation iffued by Charles I. from his Palace at Woodftock on the 4th Auguft: The Kings mod excellent majefty, out of his Princely and Chriftian care of his loving fubjedts, that no good means of Providence may be negledted to day the further fpreading of the great infection of the Plague, doth find it neceffary to prevent all occafions of public concourfe of his people for the prefent, till it fhall pleafe Almighty God of His goodnefs, to ceafe the violence of the Contagion which is very difperfed into many parts of the King¬ dom already ; And therefore remembering that there are at hand two Fairs of fpecial note and unto which there is ufually extraordinary refort out of all parts of the Kingdom , the one kept in Smithfield, near the City of London, called Bartholomew Fair, and the other near Cambridge called Stourbridge Fair, the holding whereof at the ufual times would in all likelihood be the occafion of further danger and infeblion in other parts of the land , which yet in Gods mercy ftand clear and free, hath, with the advice of his Majefty’s Privy Council, thought good, by this open declaration of his pleafure and neceffary commandment, not only to admonifh and require all his loving fubjedts to forbear to refort for this time to either of the faid two fairs, or to Legijlation for Fairs in England. 45 any other fairs within 50 miles of the faid City of London , but alfo to enjoin the Lords of the faid Fairs, and others interefted in them, or any of them, that they all forbear to hold the faid Fairs, or any¬ thing appertaining so them, at all times accuftomed or at any time, till by God’s goodnefs and mercy the infection of the Plague /hall ceafe, or be fo much diminiftied, that his majefty fhall give order for holding them ; upon pain of fuch punifhment as, for a contempt fo much concerning the univerfal fafety of his people, they fhall be adjudged to de- ferve, which they muft expedl to be inflicfted with all feverity : His Majefty defire being fo intentive for preventing the general Infection threatened, as he is refolved to fpare no man that fhall be the caufe of difperfing the fame. And to that purpofe doth hereby further charge and enjoin, under like penalty, all citizens and inhabitants of the faid City of London, that none of them fhall repair to any fair held within any part of his kingdom , until it fhall pleafe God to ceafe the infection now reigning amongft them : His Majefty’s intention being, and fo hereby declaring himfelf, that no Lord of any Fairs, or others interefted in the profits thereof, fhall by this necefifary and temporary reftraint, re¬ ceive any prejudice in the right of his or their Fairs, or liberties thereunto belonging, anything before mentioned notwithftanding. Earlier proclamations and orders had prevented the holding or had curtailed the period of St. Bar¬ tholomew fairs on feveral occafions viz. 1348, 1593, and 1603 ; and other fairs had likewife been ftayed or 46 Legijlation for Fairs in England. poftponed. Thefe will be noticed in dealing with fuch fairs fpecifically. 1630. The Plague was prevailing in Cambridge, and a Royal Proclamation was iflued, dated Aug. 1, prohibiting the holding of the Cf three great Fairs of fpecial note, unto which there is an extraordinary refort from all parts of the Kingdom ” viz. thofe of Bartholomew, Sturbridge, and Southwark. Coinage. —1662. The preceding year was that of the Restoration, and it was by Proclamation ordered that the coinage of the Commonwealth fhould be no longer current than the laft day of November. The tc Kingdom’s Intelligencer” for Aug. 22-25 this year contained the following: “ Whitehall Aug. 23. There hath been a difcovery of divers perfons who have coined both gold and filver, and of other perfons who have vended the fame in great quantities &c. intending to utter the fame to Clothiers and at Fairs ; which is publilhed to an end that honeft perfons may not be deceived by receiving fuch monies.” Sale of Printed Matter , &c. —1698. In the 9 and 10 William III. c. 27 —An Aid for Licenfing Hawkers and Pedlars &c. fedlion 9 is as follows: Provided always . . . That this Adi or anything contained fhall not Extend to Prohibit any perfons from felling of any Adis of Parliament, Forms of Prayer, Proclamations, Gazettes, licenfed Alma¬ nacks or other Printed Papers, licenled by autho¬ rity, or any Filh, Fruits or Vidluals; nor to hinder any perfon or perfons, who are the real workers or makers of any Goods or Wares within the Kingdom LegiJIation for Fairs in England. 47 of England , Dominion of Wales, and Town of Ber¬ wick upon Tweed, or his her or their Children, Apprentices, Agents or Servants, to fuch real Workers and makers of fuch Goods or Wares only, from carrying abroad, expofing to Sale, or felling any of the faid Goods and Wares of his, her, or their, own making in any Public Mart, Fairs, Markets, or Elfewhere ; nor any Tinkers, Coopers, Glaziers,' Plummers, Harnefs-menders, or other perfons actually trading in mending kettles, Tubs, Houfehold Goods or Harnefs whatfoever, from going about and carrying with them proper mate¬ rials for mending the fame. And by Sedtion 12 it is further enadted : That nothing herein contained lhall extend or be con- ftrued to extend to hinder any perfon or perfons from Selling or expofing to fale any forts of Goods or Merchandifes, in any public mart, Market, or Fair within the Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales and Town of Berwick upon Tweed, but that fuch perfon or perfons may do therein as they law¬ fully might have done before the making of this adt; anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. Altering the Calendar. —1751. Under 24 Geo. II. c. 23— An All for Regulating the Commencement of the Year; and for correffing the Calendar now in ufe, it was provided Sedlion 4 {inter alia ) that the terms for holding and keeping of all markets, fairs and marts, “ whether for the fale of Goods or Cattle, or for the hiring of Servants, or for any other purpofe, w h are either fixed to certain nominal 48 Legiflation for Fairs in England. days of the month, or depending upon the begin¬ ning, or any certain day of any month, & all Courts incident & belonging to, or ufually holden or kept with any fuch Fairs or Marts, fhould be holden & kept upon or according to the fame natural days upon or according to w h the fame fh d have been fo kept or holden in cafe this ad: had not been made.” This ad was amended by 25 Geo. II. c. 30, which enaded that all fuch events as before enume¬ rated were to take place u according to the new Calendar.” CHAPTER VI. MODERN LEGISLATION. 1839—1874. I the 2nd and 3rd Vidfc. c. 47 —An AH >r the Further Improving the Police in nd near the Metropolis —it is provided lat Inquiries may be made regarding Fairs within the Metropolitan Police Diftridt, alike as to the authority to holdfuch Fair, and alfo as to the time during which it may be holden. If the authority for holding the Fair be doubtful the owner or occupier of the ground may be fummoned to Ihow his right and title to hold fuch Fair : and if the Fair be declared unlawful, then Booths &c. may be removed. But the owner or occnpier by entering into recognizances, may referve the quef- tion of the right or title to hold fuch Fair, to be tried in the Court of Queen’s Bench—fee 1868. 1843. The 6 and 7 Vidt. c. 68— An AH for Re¬ gulating Theatres —recites 1503, 1547), and alms to the poor of the town. The letters patent Slate, that this Rent had been feized into the hands of the Crown, under the Statute of Chantries (1547) and that £6 10 s. 6 d. part thereof had been paid to the mayor, bailiffs and burgefles for distribution amongft the poor. This is expreffed to be made from the King and Queen, that the rites and ceremonies of the Catholic Church Should be maintained, and the wills of the donors performed! And alfo becaufe the Shops and booths in Sturbridge Fair, being of cuftomary tenure , were not within the Statute of Chantries. The fame King and Queen granted the follow¬ ing tolls payable for the merchandife brought to the fair. This is important as Showing the nature of the goods brought at this period: Cujlom and Foil due in the time of Sturbridge Fair for divers wares brought thither: For every cade of red herrings at the bying . For 100 of ling . For every 100 of wabboks ling . For every 100 of codds . For every 100 of wabboks codds For every heap of SiSh to be retailed laid upon a mat of the old affize . Of every jule of cured fiSh for groundage Of grinStones every foot . . . . Of every perfon that retaileth foap, for his Standing in the fair . 2 I Second Half of the Sixteenth Century. Of every hundred wainfcot Of every dicker of leather .... Of every ioo calf-lkins .... Of every ioo fheep-lkins .... For groundage of every load of pales, (hovels, pack-faddles, cart-saddles, and goddends . Of every great falt-ftone .... Of every bufhel of muftard feed . Of every load of balkets, farms Ikepps leeper and fuch other . . . Of every (Iranger felling frefhwater (i(h in kemblin ...... Of every cart load of oifters for cart and (landing ...... Item a barrel of ofmonds .... Item a barrel of pitch Item a barrel of tar . Item a barrell of herrings .... Item a barrell of cork for dying . Item for every barrel of cured fifli Item a barrel of falmon .... Item a barrel of oil . Item a barrel of honey .... Item of (turgeon a barrel Item a barrel of fope ..... Item a barrel of eels ..... Item a barrel of birdlime .... Item cart laden with poles .... Of every cart loaden with heboldines . Of every horfe with a wombtye loaden Of every cart loaden with beyondfea clafs- hold ...•«»• 95 8 d. 2 4 2 4 2 3L 2 4 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 i i 1 "2 2 / g 6 Sturbridge Fair. Item i oo of beyondfea clafshold for groundage i d. Of every cart loaden with Englilh clafshold and lying down . .... 2 Of every horfe fold . . . . i Of every load of hobboldynes for groundage i Of every cart loaden with faggots, befides the fall penny .... Of every cart loaden with fmiths coals Of every cart loaden with timber . . 2 Of every cart loaden with lathes . . 2 Of every cart loaden with boards . . 2 Of every cart loaden with cheefe . . 2 ’ Of every load of boards, hurdles, {pokes, and lathes, for groundage . . . .2 Of every load of hewn timber for groundage 2 Of every fodder of lead, for groundage . 2 Of every cart or wayne loaden with lead, for groundage ...... 2 Of every load of iron, for groundage if he have no booth . . . . .2 Of every cart loaden with iron, for laying down ....... 2 Of every cart loaden with hayres . . 2 Of every cart loaden with fackcloath . . 2 Of every cart loaden with any manner of merchandize then aforefaid, at lying down, be tides the groundage . . . .2 Of every cart or wayne loaden with nails, at lying down ...... 2 Of every perfon felling nails, for groundage . 6 Of every keel or boat that beareth a helm, as oft as he cometh . 2 Hh c* Second Half of the Sixteenth Century. 97 Of every keel or boat that beareth no helm, as oft as he cometh . . . .id. Of every heap of coals, . . .4 Of every cart loaden with merchandize dis¬ charged at Barnwell, .... 2 Of every cart charged with merchandize at Barnwell, other than the inhabitants’ goods of Cambridge, coming from the Barnwell to the fair and there difcharge, . . 1 Of every cart charged with the inhabitants’ goods at Cambridge or at Barnwell and difcharged at the fair . . \ Of every cart loaden with merchandize or wayne goying out of the fair, . . 2 1558. The Univerfity of Cambridge being in want of money the queftion was again raifed (fee 1547) of felling to the Corporation of Cambridge all privileges in this fair. The propofal met with ftrong and fuccefsful oppofition from the Provoft of King’s College (vide Fuller’s “ Hift. of Univ. of Camb.”). In the “ Hiftory and Antiquities of Barnwell Abbey,” 1786 (p. 78, part ii.) there is the following: “ Robert Braflil . . . who being Vice chancellor, in 1558, was much commended for his wifdome in withftanding the heads & matters of Colleges in this univerfitie ; when, as they had all except him, confented & concluded to fell all their wrightes and jurisdictions in Sturbridge Faire to the mayor, bayliffes & burgefles of the towne of Cam¬ bridge.” Drapers , Merchant Taylors , and Clothworkers of H 98 Sturbridge Fair. London .—On 3rd Sept. 1557 , a letter was addrefled to the Vice-chancellor and Proftors of the Univer- fity by Nicholas Hethe Archbifhop of York, Lord High Chancellor of England, and Thomas Thirleby, Bifhop of Ely, dating that complaint had been made unto them by the Drapers, Merchant Tailors, and Clothworkers of the City of London, that they repairing theretofore with their cloths to Sturbridge fair, had been troubled in the fale thereof, through unlawful fearches pretended by divers light perfons more for their own private gain and the vexation of the merchants than for any good intent to have the Statutes duly executed. Their Lordlhips there¬ fore required,that in future no fuch unlawful fearches fhould be made by any fuch light perfons, and that merchants fhould not be otherwife difquieted or ordered than was ordained and provided by the Statutes of the realm. “ Annals of Camb.” ii. P- 135 - 1559. There were again difputes between the Univerfity and Town of Cambridge refpedling the watch at time of the fair. The following me¬ morandum drawn up by the mayor embodies the the views of Lord North and the Lord Chief J uftice of the Common Pleas thereon : After our verye harty commendacions. Where we of late with the advife and confent of the reft of the Juftices of peace of this Shire take order for the better & more quyet governement of this fhire. That duringe this Stirbridge fayre tyme the watches for the Univerfitie & Towne of Cambridge fholde lovinglie joyne togither & be dubled, whereof our Second Half of the Sixteenth Century. 99 verye frende Mr Baron Frevyll dyd take upon him to advertyfe you of the fame, by occafion wherof we dyd forbear to wryte unto you therein. We now ar enformed that ye ar not as yet fully agreed to joyne togither in the execucion of the fame for certaine refpects that ye have to the prefervation of your liberties, Wherefore we do feare great inconve¬ niens and peril] may growe, onles ye do fpedelye conforme yourfelves thereunto. Thefe are there¬ fore to advertyfe you & requyre you for the more quietnes of this cuntrye & Towne, and for the Queenes Majefties better fervyfe that ye forthewith conjoin yourfelves togithers accordinglie, notwith- ftandinge any perfuafion to either of you to the contrarye. And furthermore underftandinge that there ar allredie a nombre of Sturdye Vacabonds & mafterles men come unto Cambridg for fome yll purpofe as it is fuppofed; We therefore do likewyfe defyer & requyre you in hir majefties behalfe, that ye do take a great refpect unto the apprehendinge of them, and to the fafe keepinge of them untill the faire be paft. We meane fuch as come not to the intent to labor, or otherwife lawfullie to get their livinge prayenge you that if upon eny examinacion of anye of them ye ftiall fynde eny matter worthye to be further examined & tryed out, to advertyfe us im- mediatelie therof fo that we maye y e better ayed & aflift you for your better fervice & procedinge in the fame, nothinge doubtinge but y e will lovinglye & effectually confider the premiffes in fuche wyfe as both you and me maye avoide dif- ioo Sturbridge Fair. pleafure and blame. And thus we byd you hartelye farewell. From Carleton this Mondaye, the iiij of Septembre, A 0 1559. 1561. The Corporation appear to have renewed their application for a grant of the fair. It was ordered that the expenfe of the inquifition for the new charter fhould be borne by the town. 1562. There was a great flood, fo that the por¬ tion of Sturbridge called the “ Waterfair” could not be occupied by the booths accuftomably built there. Whereupon the Corporation directed Robert Chapman and others to aflign another place for fuch booths for this year’s fair only. 1567. This year George Aylfton, merchant, on behalf of the Corporation of Sudbury inftituted proceedings in the Duchy Court of Lancafter againft Chriftopher Fletcher alderman of Cambridge, for taking his goods at this fair. Fletcher alleged that he took the goods as a diftrefs damage feafant, and it feems had a decree in his favour. 1568. Citizens of London .—On 4th Nov. the the Corporation of Cambridge deputed Roger Lord North the mayor, Francis Hinde Efq., and the Counfel-at-law of the town to deliberate in what way it could be contrived that the citizens of Lon¬ don might return to Sturbridge fair, as of old they were accuftomed. “ Annals,” ii. p. 235. 1571. As early as 1545 there had been pafled by the Corporation of Cambridge “an Ordinance for the fetting of Willows.” This ordinance “ for planting willows on the commons, drains, moors, marfhes and fens of the town ” was renewed this Second Half of the Sixteenth Century . ioi year. Every alderman might fet fix {core of poles and every burgefs four fcore up the banks of any furface, drains, ditches, &c. They to lop and top for their own ufe and advantage, cleanfing from time to time the drains &c. on which the fame were planted. The faid willows to be held on the fame terms as the booths at Sturbridge fair were held by the burgefles, &c. See 1575. 1574. On the 21 ft Nov. Dr. Perne, Vice-chan¬ cellor, wrote to Lord Burleigh on the fubjedt of the Plague vifitation in Cambridge, and in the poft- fcript to the letter made the fuggeftion of a new charter being granted to the Univerfity as follows : I am enformed that there is fute made to y e Queen’s majeftie by fome of her highnefle privie chamber for Sturbridg faire, for that it hath ftand feafed unto her highnes hand fithence y e tyme of the raign of her highnes father, the w h if it might pleafe her highnes to beftowe to the Univerfity, there might be fuch a worthie and perpetual mone- ment made by the rent thereof, as her majeftie did moft gratioufiy promife at her laft beinge at Cam- bridg in her highnes Oration made there, & the Townefmen that be nowe occupiers thereof, yeld- inge a reafonable rent to y e univerfity for their feverall boothes. Thus I am bold to put your honor in mynd of this, referringe the whole matter to your honors beft confideracion to do herein as yow fhall thinke good. 1575. At a Common Day held in the Round Church (probably on account of the Plague being near the Guildhall) on the 25th March the Corpora- 102 Sturbridge Fair. tion made a Declaration as to the tenure of booths at Sturbridge fair of which the following are the prin¬ cipal portions: Forafmuch as feme queftion hath bene made of the maner of tenure of booths in Sturbridge Fayer, fome houlding one opinion, & fome another, everie man fpeakinge his fantafie therein, affirminge his owne opinion to be the true cuftome, and that it ought to ftande for truethe; for that it hath not bene generally knowne to all men whether any Cuftome hath remained written in any records of this towne concerninge the fame fayre, yea or no : Commandment therefore had been given to the Town Clerk to fearch the records of the town. This had been done and “ it is founde in the oulde and ancient record called the Crofs Booke of the fayde Towne, that remaineth there written.” This I have already given, under date 1403. The fame was reaffirmed ; and it was now ordered that every burgefs claiming a booth muft have his title thereto entered in a book to be kept by the Corporation for that purpofe; and thereafter he might alienate the fame to any other free burgefs by due entry in the faid book in manner and form provided. 1576. 8th Dec. The Corporation fealed a power of attorney (dated 30th Nov.) authorizing the Recorder and others named to adt in all matters before the Queen and her Council, and in all caufes and bufineftes touching the town, particularly the redemption and confirmation of Sturbridge Fair. To this end the Corporation empowered the Mayor and others to rate the pofleffioners of booths in the Second Half of the Sixteenth Century. 103 fair towards the payment of 1000 marks for the fine for the fair. On 13th of fame month Lord Burleigh the Chan¬ cellor, and the Earl of Leicefter High Steward of the Univerfity wrote to Dr. Goad the Vice-chan¬ cellor, defiring that there might be a conference between the heads of the Univerfity and Town rela¬ tive to the contemplated grant of the fair. Lord Burleigh it feems had obtained from the Queen a declaration that no petition of the townfmen re- fpedding their fair Ihould be received to the preju¬ dice of the Univerfity. A meeting took place early in the following year but no friendly underftanding could be arrived at. 1577. The matter of renewing the charter of the fair was again before the Queen. On a petition being prefented on behalf of the Corporation the Royal reply was “ that fhe would not take away any privileges that file had granted the Univerfity, but would rather add to them ”; and for this de¬ claration the Univerfity returned her a letter of thanks. Starbridge Fair. gate from the privileges of the Chancellor, matters, and fcholars ufed during the greater part of twenty years then laft paft. New rules might be altered and revoked as circumftances fhould require. The fellers of mercery or grocery ware were for¬ bidden to be ftationed or to occupy any booth in the fair for felling fuch wares except in Cheapfide. Woollen cloths were to be expofed for fale only in the “ Duddery.” Goldfmiths were not to be ftationed, or expofe their goods to fale any where except in Soper Lane, otherwife Goldfmith’s Row ; and pew- terers and braziers were in like manner to be con¬ fined to Pewtry Row and Brazier Row. The burgefles who held any booth for life or years, or who ftiould afterwards acquire any, were to hold the fame as theretofore. The charter to the JJniverfity , exprefled to have been granted by the authority of parliament, con¬ tains provifions relating to the town as well as to the fair. I ftiall confine my abftraCt to the latter. It was granted out of love of the Univerfity, to con¬ firm and eftablifh the privileges, liberties, immunities, pre-eminences, authorities,powers, jurifdiCtions, pro¬ fits and commodities of that body in Sturbridge Fair, as granted by the charter fhe had given in the 3rd year of her reign. She granted to the Chancellor matters and fcholars and their fuccefiors folely and wholly for ever the office of “ Clerk of the Market,” and the affay of bread, wine, and ale or beer, and the keeping and governance of the fame and the correction and punifhment of offenders, with the fines, forfeitures and amerciaments thence arifing in Second Half of the Sixteenth Century. 109 the fair and the precincfts of the fame. Alfo the fupervilion of meafures and weights, and the jurif- di< 5 tion to inquire of all foreftallings, regratings, and ingrofling of victuals and other things and wares within the fair or its bpunds and precindts, and to banilh, chaftife, and correct according to the laws of the realm and the cuftoms of the Univerlity. Alfo right of fearch in the fair for harlots and vaga¬ bonds. The proclamation of the fair was to be made by the Univerlity and Town in alternate years. All goods carried to or by the fair, or to the town, or in the river to the ufe of the Chancellors, matters, fcholars, or colleges, or to or for any of the graduates refiding within the town or Univerlity, or within five miles thereof to be free of toll. The Univerlity to have exclufive jurifdidtion in fuits wherein fcholars, fcholars fervants “ or com¬ mon minifter of the Univerlity ” were one of the parties. Alfo to hear and determine plaints con¬ cerning vidtuals or contradl for victuals ariling in the fair, except in cafes between a burgefs and a foreigner not privileged of the Univerlity, which Ihould be heard before the Mayor, &c. The court of the Chancellor &c within the fair to be a court of record with all powers according to the ftatutes of the realm, or the laws and cuftoms of the Uni¬ verlity. The laft named court to be held within the fair or its precindls, and the Queen granted a fufticient piece of ground for the purpofe. But if by flood or other chance the accuftomed place Ihould be unlit another place was to be provided. 11 o Sturbridge Fair. The Univerfity to have exclusive authority to infpedt, fearch, try, aflay and gauge all victuals in the fair. The daily infpecftion and fearch of all other wares (except leather and fackcloth) to be made by four fuitable men, appointed by the Chan¬ cellor and Mayor refpe&ively. And the court for adjudication upon the fame to be held by the Chan¬ cellor and Mayor in alternate years, each aiding the other in the performance of the duties. The re¬ maining numerous provifions are not neceffary to be cited in view of our prefent purpofes. It was the belief of the townfpeople that this charter to the Univerlity had been obtained by reafon of a betrayal of the rights of the town by the then Mayor. And the following was recorded at the foot of a tranfcript of this charter. i( One Gawnt was Mayor of Cambridge, who att London affented to thefe new jurifdi&ions of the Univerfitie, and therein betrayed the towne, who fhortlie after was putt [out!] of his Aldermanfhipp & lived the re- maynder of his life in great want and miferie, and hatefull to all the townfmen.” 1591. On 30th Aug. the Corporation made orders that all the provifoes, conditions and articles contained in the new charter touching booths in Sturbridge Fair, fhould be inviolably kept and ob- ferved in all points, according to the tenor, true intent and meaning of fuch charter: that it fhould not be lawful to any tenant or owner of any booth to admit or fuffer any merchants or artificers of fundry wares to Hand and fell wares in one booth : and that it fhould not be lawful to any merchants Second Half of the Sixteenth Century. 111 or others bringing wares to Sturbridge Fair to fell any wares, except fait, out of any veffels upon the water there, until the fifh booths were let to farm. On 15th Sept. Richard Parifh of Chefterton “ a very violent and turbulent perfon, attacked and wounded with a dagger fome fcholars who were with him in the ferry-boat between Chefterton and Stur¬ bridge Fair. He was arrefted by a mafter of arts of Trinity College and others, but was refcoued from them by the prentifes in the faire.” A new mani- feftation of the “town and gown” troubles. 1592. On 28th Aug. the Corporation of Cam¬ bridge made orders that none but freemen fhould, in time of Sturbridge Fair, fell and deliver fifh in any hut or veflel on the water, until the fifti booths in the water-fair were let, and then to make com- pofition with the bailiff of the ward. And that all except freemen, who brought pitch and tar to the fair to be fold, fhould pay is. per laft for grinding to the bailiff of the ward; and that if any fuit or controverfy at law fhould arife about executing the premifes, the charges fhould be borne by a levy to be affefled upon the burgeffes. 1595. Memorandum, that this daye and yeare by a common confente, it is agreed, that the order made . . Feby anno Regni Hen. Odavi 13 0 con- cerninge enjoyers of booths to dwell within the towne; and fhewinge in what time he fhall fell them yf he go out of the towne, fhall ftand, re- maine and be in full force and effede; and that no maior of the towne of Cambridge from henceforthe fhall propounde any grace, or do any ade or ades, 11 2 Sturbridge Fair. devife or devifes whatfoever, to the breache or violating thereof; and that the maior of this towne, yearly to be chofen, on the daie of his election, or on the daye that he taketh the oathe againft vintinge, fhall make folemn oathe to the obfervation hereof. “ Hift. and Antiq. of Barnwell Abbey ” (p. 96, part ii.). 1596. 16th Aug. The Corporation made an order that every burgefs who Ihould thereafter buy any booth or booth-ground in this fair fhould at the time of his admiffion thereto, make folemn oath before the mayor, that he had bought the fame limply to the ufe of himfelf and his heirs, and not to the ufe of any foreigner or foreigners, without fraud, collufion, or deceit. CHAPTER XI. THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 1600. N 16th Aug. the Corporation of Cam¬ bridge made ordinances that no bailiff fhould “ by any wayes, meanes, or culler whatfoever demise or lett to ferme his bayliwich within this Town or Fayers, or eny profitts belonging to the fame, to eny per- fone or perfones whatfoever, uppon payne of dis- frannchifinge.” 1601. New caufes of difpute arofe between the Univerfity and the Town, this time about the “ King’s beam ” (Pondus Regis ) or the right of the former to a beam for weighing articles fold at the Fair. The Queen (Elizabeth) wrote to the parties : To our loving friends the Vicechancellor and Prodtors of the Univerfity of Cambridge and the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgefles of the Town : Whereas there were at the laft Sturbridge fair fome contentions about a pair of fcales ufed by you of the Univerfity : We require you of the Town in all peaceable fort, to fuffer the Univerfity to 1 114 Slurbridge Fair. exercife and ufe the fame in the accudomed place as they have ufually done for the mod of thefe ten years lad pad ; and what contention foever diall feem to arife about the fame fcales, either for the intered of the ground whereon they are fettled, or for the payment of any rent for the fame : We think it fit and fo we require of you, that it be peaceably reconciled hereafter in a lawful courfe, without giving any occafion of diforders. And fo we heartily bid you farewell. Aug. 27, 1601. 1603. The kingdom was threatened with another vifitation of the plague. The new King (James I.) iffued a Proclamation, dated from Hampton Court 8 Aug., whereby it was ordained that for “ defire of preventing an univerfal contagion among our people ” (inter alia ) Stourbridge Fair fhould not be held nor anything appertaining to it at the time accudomed, “ nor any time till they [it] fhall have been licenfed by us.” 1604. On 23rd July this year the King iffued the following mandate, prohibiting all idle games, plays, or fhows in or within five miles of Cambridge; and under its authority the regulations of the Fair were confiderably modified : James by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of the faith, &c : To our chancellor and vice-chancellor of our univerfity of Cambridge in the County of Cam¬ bridge, and to all and lingular our judices of peace mayors ffieriffs bailiffs condables gaolers and all other our miniders and officers within the faid The Seventeenth Century. 115 univerfity and the town of Cambridge and county aforefaid and to every of them greeting, For the better maintenance fafety and quietnefs of that our faid univerfity and all and every the ftudents there, and to remove take away and pre¬ vent all occafions that may tend either to the in¬ fecting of their bodies or minds, or to the with¬ drawing or alienating the younger fort from the courfes of their ftudies there intended, we do by thefe prefents authorize will and command you our faid chancellor and vice-chancellor of our faid univerfity, and either of you and your fucceflors, that you do from time to time for ever hereafter by virtue hereof, wholly and altogether reftraine inhibit and forbid as well all and all manner of unprofitable or idle games plays or exercifes to be ufed or made within our faid univerfity and the town there, and within five miles compafs of and from the faid univerfity and the town there, and within five miles compafs of and from the faid univerfity and town, efpecially bull-baiting, bear-baiting, common plays, publick lhews, interludes, come¬ dies and tragedies in the Englifli tongue, games at loggets, nine-holes, and all other fports and games whereby throngs concourfe or multitudes are drawn together, or whereby the younger fort are or may be drawn or provoked to vain ex¬ pence lofs of time or corruption of manners; as alfo all and all manner of perfons that lhall go about to publifh aCt fet out or make any fuch un¬ profitable or idle games publick plays or exercifes within the faid univerfity or town or within five 116 Stnrbridge Fair. miles compafs of or from our faid univerffiy or town, any indulgence, privilege, liberty or autho¬ rity, by us granted or to be granted to any our officers or fervants, or to any other perfon or per- fons whomfoever, to the contrary in any wife not- withftanding. Provided that it is not our pleafure and meaning hereby to abridge the ftudents of their accuftomed exerciles in any kind whatfoever within their feveral colleges. And if any perfon or perfons under colour pre¬ tence or virtue of any licence or authority by us or any other whomfoever granted or to be granted, or by any other means colour or pretence, ffiall refift or refufe peaceably to obey your commands herein, then our will and pleafure is and we do hereby authorize you our faid chancellor and vice-chan¬ cellor of our faid univerffiy, and either of you, and your fucceffors and deputy or deputies of you and either of you and your fucceflors, from time to time to apprehend all and every fuch offenders, and them to commit to prifon either in the caftle of Cambridge or any other goal within the town of Cambridge, there to remain without bail or main- prize until they ffiall willingly fubmit themfelves to your faid commands and abide fuch further order as to you in your difcretions ffiall be thought meet; willing and by thefe prefents commanding all you our faid juftices of peace, mayors, ffieriffs, bailiffs, conftables and. gaolers, and all other our faid minifters and officers, that upon intimation and ffiew of this our will and command herein, you The Seventeenth Century. 117 and every of you being required thereto, (hall be aiding and aflifting to our faid chancellor and vice-chancellor of our faid univerfity, and their fucceffors and their and either of their deputy or deputies from time to time in the due execution of the premifes according to the purport and true in¬ tent hereof, as you will anfwer to the contrary at your peril. Given under our fignet at our palace of Weft- minfter, the three and twentieth day of July, in the fecond year of our reign of England France and Ireland and of Scotland the feven and thirtieth. 1606. In the records of the Skinners Company there is an item under this date