Page 10 - Jigsaw June 2019

Thrapston Charter Fair ......................................................................
I wonder what King John would think of the Charter Fair?
When King John granted a Market Charter to Baldwin de Vere, the Lord Mayor of Thrapston in 1205 he could not have imagined that markets in Thrapston would be continuing until the present day. As well as weekly markets, livestock markets and the monthly Farmer’s Market there is also the Annual Charter Fair which takes place in the High Street on the last Saturday in June each year. This market or Charter Fair as we know it commemorates the granting of the Market Charter in 1205. It is signified on the Town flag, flown above the Town Council Office, by two horses (palfreys) which Baldwin de Vere donated to King John in exchange for the Market Charter. Charter Fair Day is a highlight in the Thrapston calendar being a time when the High Street is closed to traffic and filled with a fun fair, this year offering free rides to all children, many stalls, both groups raising awareness of what they do and individuals selling produce or offering games and activities, food and drink and entertainment.
The Charter Fair begins with a procession of participants from the Bridge Hotel Car park up to the main stage on the cobbles
opposite Jolly’s Toyshop. Following the Charter Fair flag everyone is welcome
to join in the procession and many do, providing a colourful and noisy spectacle
as they snake up the High Street. The
June Rose Queen and her consort from Thrapston Primary School ride proudly in a car generously supplied by John Sarrington of Northamptonshire Bridal Carriages and take part in the opening ceremony on the stage. Once the Fair is officially opened the entertainment on the stage begins and will continue uninterrupted until 5.30pm ably compered by Steve Jeffery who ensures that everyone knows what is going on in the High
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