Markets and Fairs

An entry in the Calendar of Charter Rolls for 1258 shows that William de Valencia, who then owned one of the manors in Worlington, was granted the right to hold a weekly market here on Fridays and also the right to hold an annual fair on tithe vigil, the feast and the morrow of St. Lawrence", i.e. on the 9th, 10th and 11th August. Not to be outdone, Robert de Scales, the holder of the other manor, obtained a similar grant in 1270 for a weekly market on Wednesdays and an annual fair on "the vigil, the feast and the morrow of the nativity of St. Mary and the five days following", i.e. from the 14th to the 21st August. I do not know whether the first grant had lapsed or whether two' separate fairs and markets were indeed held.

Colin Dring ©1979