The October
Stow Horse Fair is on or around October 24th each year. I checked
and this year's historic October Fair was on the 23rd.
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Don't
miss these amazing photos from the horse fair
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It
was 41 miles from Cam and the autumn colours were breathtaking all
the way. There was slow moving traffic queue entering Stow-on-the-Wold
and signs directed visitors to a large field car park on the north
side of town.
The
sun was shining on this bright October morn. The fair itself was
between the Oddington and Maugersbury Roads on the south side of
town.
Stalls
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| What
the Horse Fair's all about |
Numerous
stallholders were selling everything from decorative cushions to
house signs, decorative lamps and paintings.
A lot
of saddlery gear was also for sale. Horses too were being traded.
There were some modern caravans but a large quantity of traditional
Romany caravans.
Palmists
were plying their trade. Several campfires were keeping the gypsies
warm. Over one a tasty stew was being brewed. It all made for a
colourful and splendid scene of a way of life little changed over
the centuries.
History
The
Stow-on-the-Wold Horse Fair has taken place twice a year since 1476.
It attracts hundreds of visitors and Gipsies from all over England
who come to trade horses and meet old friends.
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| Gipsies
come from all over England to attend the fair |
The
whole event is a visual feast that has its roots deep in West Country
history. In 714AD The Abbey of Evesham acquired the Manor of Stow
and was charged with the social, economic and spiritual welfare
of its inhabitants.
Stow's
unique position meant it had developed a capacity for trade and
soon an informal market had developed - so ensuring economic stability
in the area.
Norman
Conquest
After
the Norman Conquest this marketplace grew as continental trading
relationships evolved. So, when the abbot of Evesham asked Henry
1 in 1107 for official recognition of the market it was readily
granted.
The
market continued for more than 800 years and only stopped at the
turn of the 20th century. However in 1476 the abbot had petitioned
for a charter for two fairs, one in May and another in October.
The
charters were granted for May 12th, the feast of Saints Philip and
James and the October 24th the feast of St. Edward the Confessor.
These dates are still used today.
by
John Wilkes
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