2 minute read
Court Leet
Fair Day in Bromsgrove - by Royal Charter granted 1199
Midsummer’s Day Fair has taken place in Bromsgrove since the charter to hold the Fair was granted by King John in 1199. Sadly, this traditional event can’t take place this year, but we can celebrate the history and look forward to celebrations in 2021.
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When the Domesday Book was written in 1086 Bromsgrove is recorded as being “King William’s land” with a Reeve, Beadle and a Priest and a community of 18 villages. Just over one hundred years later and the town, still within the Royal Manor, was granted a charter to hold a Fair on 24th June, Midsummer’s day. The Charter was one of the first in Worcestershire and the annual, important Fair was for buying and selling horses and cattle, linen and wollen cloth, raw wool, cheese and other goods.
The early fairs and markets probably took place at the bottom of the church steps on a green or on cobbled street by the ford in the brook. As the years passed, and the town grew in size, the fairs were held on the High Street and the shop keepers could bring their wares onto the street and residents could create a pen in front of their property and hire it out to sellers.
The Midsummer Fair was a highlight of the year for the town, attracting visitors from far afield, farmers in white smocks with decorated horses, acrobats and jugglers, music and songs from minstrels, gypsies in colourful costumes telling fortunes – a day of merriment for the town, along side the serious business of selling animals and goods.
From the early days of the Fair, The Bailiff, in full regalia of office, along with Ealdormen and Court Leet members would walk the Fair, with bellman and pole bearers to accompany them. This tradition continues to this day, and in the 1980’s a traditional style street market was reintroduced to the day, now held on the closest Saturday to Midsummer’s day.
In recent years on Fair Day local craft traders and charities are encouraged to take a stall at the market which runs alongside
the weekly Saturday market in the High Street. Schools and Scout groups are invited to join in the day and townsfolk are welcomed to enjoy the Fair and partake in this centuries old occasion.
The Bailiff of the Court Leet proclaims the Charter of 1199 and the Officers of the Court report on their findings. Ale Taster, Searcher and Sealer of Leather, Brook Looker, Breadweigher and Carnitor all carry out an “assize” to show to the townsfolk that the goods offered for sale are good, wholesome and fit for consumption, and that the brooks are well maintained. It is sad that the 2020 Fair Day will not take place, but the charter will be proclaimed on social media and the tradition of the Midsummer Fair Day will continue for years to come. Find out more on
