This is the second part of the Fairlop chronology. See our page on Fairlop for details.
Some key points during this period are:
1791: First official attempt to put down fair (officials were totally ineffective for decades after this);
1791: First reference to a play based on Fairlop. There were a number of plays and they continued to be performed well into the 1850’s;
1803: First reference to the “boats” used by the Block-makers and Watermen of Wapping, although clearly this had been going on for some time;
1804: Reference to boxing match associated with Fairlop, and also “Dutch Sam”;
1804: Useful account showing the “beans and bacon” of Daniel Day had been joined by ducks and peas, booths etc.;
1805: Fire damage to Fairlop Oak;
1807: Description of Maypole public house: Borrow didn’t mention this (he said Bald-faced Hind) but the Maypole often occurs in the newspaper accounts, and the Bald-faced Hind does not;
1814: First trial related to Fairlop Fair;
1820: Felling of the Fairlop Oak (it appeared it had been dead for a number of years);
1822: First mention (in newspaper) of Saint Pancras having a pulpit made from the Fairlop Oak;
1826: As efforts to surpress the fair were getting underway, particularly because it was “cockney”, a defence from the Morning Chronicle. The middle classes did frequent Fairlop Fair but it’s overall character was always working class and it was despised on that basis
The bulk of the stories illustrate the day-to-day nature of the fair and the fair-goers.
Fairlop Oak wasn’t just the centre for the fair: other social events used it also.
Monday last the Hainault Foresters, consisting of the principal families on Epping Forest, and its environs, held an extraordinary meeting to receive the Lord Warden (Sir James Long, bart.) and Verdures, at the venerable Fairlop Tree. On the signal, by the bugle horns, that the visitors was approaching, the corps of gentlemen archers formed, and marched out, preceded by their colours, and a band of wind instruments, in suitable uniforms, and received the Lord Warden and his suite, at the end of their lines, and escorted him under their forest trophies to Fair-lop Tree, where they were received by the Lady President, and the rest of the fair Sisterhood of the bow, all habited in forest dresses. After taking some refreshments in the tent, picturesquely pitched in the rear of the old tree, the excursions of the day commenced by shooting at six targets...
At the General Quarter Sessions held in Chelmsford Fairlop Fair had a bad name and the justices decided to order it prevented:
Whereas it has been represented to this Court, by his majesty’s justices of the peace, residing and acting within the half hundred of BECCONTREE, in the said country, That of late years on the FIRST day of JULY in every year, a number of idle and disorderly people have assembled themselves together in a tumultuous manner, on a certain part of his MAJESTY’s FOREST OF WALTHAM, called FAIRLOP WALK, in the parish of Barking in the county aforesaid; at which time and place, divers quantities of beer and spirituous liquors are sold without lawful authority, to the great encouragement of riots, briols, and breaches of the peace; and the said tumultuous assembly generally held till midnight, to the great loss and terror of the inhabitants in the vicinity thereof, and to the destruction of his majesty’s wood and timber in the said forest, and also divers felonies and depredations are committed on the goods, chattels, and poultry of his majesty’s subjects, dwelling in the same neighbourhood: And that the said assembly is an actual nuisance in the country, and tends greatly to the encouragement of vice and immorality. WHEREFORE the justices assembled at this sessions have resolved to put down, and prevent the meeting as aforesaid; and for that purpose IT IS ORDERED by this court, That the HIGH CONSTABLES of the said half hundred of Beccontree, and ALL OTHER CONSTABLES, AND HEAD BOROUGHS within the said half hundred, do assemble themselves together on the evening of the THIRTIETH DAY OF JUNE next, to prevent any booths, tents, or hovels, being fixed or prepared on the said ground for the purposes aforesaid; and that the said high constables, and all other constables, head-boroughs, and peace officers aforesaid, be attending AT BREAK OF DAY OF THE FIRST DAY NEXT AT FAIRLOP-TREE, in the said forest, and then and there to the utmost of their power, obstruct and prevent any persons from erecting booths or hovels on the said forest, and retailing spirituous liquors therein; and that they apprehend and carry before some justice of the peace, all idle disorderly persons who shall assemble for the purposes aforesaid; and execute to the best of their power and ability all lawful means to obstruct any number of persons assembling for the purposes aforesaid, and to prevent the several evils above complained of. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED and directed, that this order of session be printed three times in each of the three different papers, and in the two county papers; and also that the said order be printed and stuck up at the several market towns of BARKING, ROMFORD, and EPPING, and in such parts of the public highway, leading to and from the said forest, at such time and place as the justices of the said hundred of Beccontree shall direct. By the Court, BULLOCK, Clerk of the Peace.
Saturday last the society of Hainault foresters met to celebrate their third anniversary at Fairlop, at which a bugle-horn, given by Sir James Tilney Long, as warden of Epping Forest, was shot for.
At Woodbridge theatre the new comic opera of The Woodman would be performed. Mr. Ingall would take the part of the woodman, whose name (in the opera) is Fairlop. There’s no indication of who wrote the play etc. The same play would later be performed at the Royal Theatre (London?) with an announcement in Saunder’s Newsletter of 12 July 1799.
HAINAULT FORESTERS
Saturday the 25th, was the last meeting of Hainault Foresters, on which day the bugle horn, presented by their patron, Sir James Tilney Long, to the gentlemen, and another presented to the ladies, by Sir Wm. Smyth, were shot for.
...
At four the society and their guests, consisting of all the verdurers and master keepers of the forest of Waltham, with their families, and most of the neighbouring gentry, partook of an elegant cold dinner; after which Montagu Burgoyne, of Mark-hall, esq.; presented to the society a most elegant cup, formed from a branch of the Old Fairlop Oak, lined, tipped, and footed with silver gilt, with the society’s arms on an engraved place on one side, and on the other a votive inscription. He accompanied his present with a song composed for the occasion, parodying the old Mulberry Tree, but giving the preference to the English Oak.
On “the same night” as “last Thursday” John M‘Coul of Fleet Market, and Thomas Taylor, coal merchant, of Southwark, “were returning to town from Fairlop Fair, in Essex” when “a trunk, containing cash, Bank notes, and various valuables to a considerable amount, was cut from behind their chaise, and carried clear off.”
This is problematic as Fairlop fair was in July, not June. Whilst the first page of the journal is 1 June 1799, the fourth page references the London Gazette of July 13 (as Tuesday’s post), so something is mixed up.
Attending Fairlop fair could be hazardous:
On the 6th instant [i.e. 6 July 1802] another inquisition was taken at Barking, on the body of T. Bolton, who fell from the fore-ladder of Mr. Lambert’s bough waggon, going to Fair Lop fair, and one of the wheels going over him, he was so much bruised that he died in the evening of the same day. Verdict: Accidental Death
In a letter to the editor, “a clam observer” of Finsbury Square, wrote:
... I have had some cousins from York on a visit for a fortnight past—Some days ago a glass coach could not be procured within three miles of the Royal Exchange, because it was Fairlop Fair
Fairlop Fair would have been the first Friday in July, which in 1803 would have been the 1st. George Borrow was born on the 5th (a Tuesday) and the paper published on the Thursday (7th). The Bath Chronicle (14th July 1803) noted the fair:
July 8.—Friday se’nnight [i.e. 1st] Fairlop Fair was *** to annual custom, held under the venerable tree of that name, in Hanault Forest, 2 miles from Chigwell, and 3 from Ilford. Two boats, on wheels, filled with company, and drawn in procession by 6 horses *** according to custom, passed 3 times round the Oak. The pleasure of the spectators was unfortunately interrupted by the fall of a man out of one of the boats; and *** the horses could not be stopped, the wheels passed over him, and he was killed on the spot. There are *** within a considerable distance of the place, and the numerous booths erected furnished all the *** and refreshments of a country wake. This *** is annually observed pursuant to the will of *** maker, who died in Wapping, about 50 years ago, and who was wont to enjoy himself under the *** shade of the Oak above-mentioned, the trunk of which measures 16 yds. in circumference.
Fair goers lost property:
Lost, on the 6th of July, a RED MOROCCO POCKET BOOK, containing six or seven One Pounds Notes, with Memorandums of no use to any person but the owner; it was missed between Fairlop Fair and Limehouse.—Any person returning the Book with the Contents, will receive Two Pounds reward, by applying to Mr. Fenn, No. 13, Limehouse Causeway.
The Morning Advertiser on 8 July 1807 contained another loss between Fairlop and London with two guineas offered as a reward.
Of the 1804 the London Courier of 9th July 1804 wrote:
Fairlop Fair was held on Friday under the venerable oak on the forest. Inauspicious as the early part of the day was, a great number of persons attended, and were, as usual, entertained with ducks and peas, and beans and bacon. Numbers of booths were erected, and the company made themselves comfortable, although the wetness of the ground was a great drawback on their usual amusements. Some broken-down hacks spilt their riders; and a few Kent street and Spitalfields gigs were upset: no bones were broken, nor did the Ladies blush much at the exposure of their charms.
Contains a long account of a boxing match between Caleb Baldwin, champion of Westminster, and Dutch Sam, “a Jew”, which took place “yesterday” at Woodford Green, near Hornsey. Originally the fight was to have been at Fairlop, but the local magistrates had been tipped off and the promoters had to move it. Note that Borrow mentions “Dutch Sam” in Lavengro.
At Sadler’s Wells Aquatic Theatre a new pantomime, Harlequin Perizade and the Talking Bird, would be performed. One of the principal scenes would be “Fairlop Oak and Fair.”
Fairlop Oak had been badly burnt:
On Tuesday evening, about eight o’clock, the well-known and venerable oak, called Fairlop Tree, on Henault Forest, in Essex, was discovered to be on fire. The fire was discovered by one of the foresters, and a number of persons who reside within a short distance of the spot, came with pails and procured water to extinguish the flames, but without effect, the main branch on the South-side, with part of the body, being consumed. It continued burning yesterday morning, and very little hopes were entertained of saving any part of it. This celebrated tree measured forty-eight feet round the body, and several of the arms measured from 10 to 12 feet. It shaded about an acre of land. It is supposed to be five hundred years old. Tuesday morning a part of sixty came from London in several carriages. They amused themselves during the day with playing at cricket and various other sports. They made a fire near it, and about two hours after they had left the spot the fire was discovered.
Printed a one sentence correction: “The story of Fairlop Tree, upon Epping Forest, being destroyed by fire, is untrue.” Just as many other papers had carried the original story (verbatim in most cases), so they followed by printing the correction verbatim.
The fair of 1805 referred to the tree being burnt, and resets the record:
Yesterday, according to annual custom, Fairlop Fair was celebrated round the immense Oak in Hainault Forest, Essex. This venerable tree, which is supposed to be upwards of 1000 years old, and whose branches extend over an acre of ground, we have the pleasure to say, escaped in a great measure the fury of the flames, a few days since; one branch, of an amazing size, became their victim; but there are three left, each of which exceeds in size the largest tree in St. James’s Park.
Saturday night a coach, loaded with passengers inside and out, returning home to Ratcliff Highway, from Fairlop Fair, by the mismanagement of the driver, ran foul of a paling, in the New-road, St. George’s in the East, when the carriage, with all its encumbrances, upset, none of whom were very materially injured, but the body of the coach was shivered to pieces.
A freehold villa was for sale and the main selling point was “one mile from Chigwell, and the same distance from the famous Fairlop Oak.” The house had recently been improved, had six bedchambers, four servant’s apartments, library, 4 stall stable, piggery, eight acres etc.
In announcing the forthcoming Fairlop Fair on Friday next:
That the indefatigable Mr. Polito, the modern Noah, will be there with his whole host of Quadrupeds and Birds, which are not contained in one Ark, as at the deluge, but in six Caravans, built on a superior plan and magnitude, which will be formed in a large square, for the accommodation of the curious, that they may behold without disgust or offensive smell an extraordinary variety of the most terrible and beautiful Animals and Birds in the world, which by care and diligence are in a state of perfect harmony: amongst which is the finest and largest male Lion in this kingdom, still accompanied by his foster-mother, a fine pointer bitch, which frequently plays with him. The only Lioness living, of the original breed of lions in the Tower of London; a real pair of Royal Tigers; a pair of noble Panthers from the River La Plata; a Puma, or American Lion; a very singular animal from the East Indies, lately discovered, called the Ursine-Sloth; Kangaroos, males and females; the industrious Beaver; Leopards, &c. &c. A pair of those rare birds, spoken of in Holy Writ, the Pelicans of the Wilderness; the Struthio-Australis, or Southern Ostriches; the Cassowary of New South-Wales; the King of the Vultures; Emus; a vast number of others, of the most delightful plumage, in admirable order and condition; forming, in the whole, the most wonderful assemblage that ever was known in the world.—Most money given for all sorts of foreign Animals and Birds.
The lease and household furniture of the Maypole public house (the other public house associated with Fairlop, beside the Bald-faced Hind) was for sale. This gives a good idea of what the Maypole was like.
The valuable LEASE, and all the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, Fixtures, Live and Dead Stocks, &c. of Mr. John Smith, at the Maypole, Barking Side, near Fairlop, three miles from Ilford, and five from Romford, comprising bedsteads, with various furnitures, good feather beds and bedding, mahogany chests of drawers, with secretaires, dining and other tables, pier and dressing glasses, Witton and Kidderminster carpets, Pantheon stoves, mahogany and Russia leather chairs, an eight-day clock, a 3 feet 9 inch wind-up range of grates, kitchen requisites, a three motion beer machine, with 40 feet of pipe, and numerous fixtures adapted for a genteel public house. The out-door stock consists of a useful horse, a sow and 10 pigs, 14 turkies, a quantity of fowls, ducks, and geese, a six-inch wheel loading cart, a whisky cart and harness, cart harness for three horses, quantity of fire wood, old iron, glass bottles, and other effects. May be viewed the day preceding the sale. Catalogues to be had on the Premises; Blue Boar, Aldgate; Swan, Stratford; Angel, Ilford; of Mr. Sterry, and of Mr. Hayward, Auctioneer, Romford.
At Twelve o’clock will be put up to Auction the LEASE of the above Premises, with five acres of land; 8¾ years remain unexpired at Michaelmas-day, 1807, at the very low rent of 35l. per annum. Also two good Cottages, with three acres of Land included.
To-morrow, according to annual custom, the Block-makers will proceed from Wapping Old Stairs, in two boats, affixed on coach carriages, decorated with awnings, and streamers flying, with bands of music, to Fairlop Fair, in Essex, which took its original rise from the eccentricity of Mr. Day, Block and Pump-maker, who during a great part of his life annual visited this spot with a select party of friends; and since his death, which happened in 1767, in the 84th year of his age, this procession is held in commemoration of him.
Helpfully the Ipswich Journal, 9 July 1808, gives some detail of the fair itself:
In such high repute has Fairlop Fair become that the present year presented an addition of 75 booths for the accommodation of the great number of person who attended and who are estimated at near 30,000.
Reported that “the recent very wet weather proved injurious yesterday to the amusements at Fairlop Fair, which is attended by a great resort of respectable and even fashionable people.” The London Courier (also 8 July 1809) gives much more detail:
Fairlop Fair was yesterday attended by a numerous assemblage of visitants.—Several gangs of sailors and officers from Wapping Old Stairs, went down to the scene of amusement in carriages, with colours flying and music.—Puppet shows, wild beasts, fruit stalls, gingerbread, ribbons, and toys of every description were arranged in the usual style, and several excellent matches of single stick were contested by the neighbouring farmers. ... This venerable and stupendous tree stands in Hainault Forest ... The trunk, or main tree of this Lord of the Forest, measures in girth 66 feet, or 22 feet in diameter, from which 17 large branches issue, each of the dimensions of a tree of moderate growth, and most of them are not less than 12 feet in girth. For many years past it has been gradually decaying, yet it still retains periodical powers of vegetation, tho’ the loftiest parts of the bows are now withered. About twenty years ago, in the meridian of the day, the whole shadow extended over an acre of ground. We have not been able to learn with any degree of precision the age of this national ornament; but comparing it with other large oaks, whose ages have been ascertained, and particularly with that viewed by his Majesty in Oxfordshire, and latterly felled in the domains of one of the colleges, the girth of which was 25 feet, and said to be 600 years old, it may not be unfair to conclude that Fairlop Oak, being nearly thrice as large, is three times its age.
The Norfolk Chronicle of 15 July 1809 gives another detail:
Friday afternoon, at Fairlop Fair, Messrs. Saunder’s theatre being very much crowded with spectators, by some accident broke down, by which several persons were much hurt, but no lives were lost.
This place, so celebrated for rustic scenes and amusements, has experienced of late years a considerable falling off; but this season, owing to the fitness of the weather, or to a more substantial cause, it resumed all its wonted vigour. On Friday the annual pastimes commenced, and the various roads leading from Fairlop to town, exhibited a multitude of the most motley kind.
By the halloooing and shouting which continually took place on the road, a gentleman’s horse took fright and overturned his gig in a gravel pit, by which means his thigh was broken, and two ladies with him shared a worse fate if possible, they both had bones broken, and one of them it was feared had lost an eye.
To speak of the bustle, confusion, and accidents, that took place on the return of the fair folks in the evening would fill a volume; suffice it to say, that carts, gigs, and horses, were lying spread about the road in all directions.
The Public Ledger (9 July 1810) adds a few more:
... a man, on his return, passing up Rosemary-lane, in a gig, was thrown therefrom, and, alighting on some iron pipes, was so much injured, that he died the next morning; a hackney coachman, also returning from the same place, was thrown from the box in Gray’s Inn-lane, and killed on the spot.
On a piece about Fairlop oak (repeating much of the above) some extra detail is given:
Beneath its shade which overspans an area of three hundred feet in circuit, an annual fair has long been held on the 2d of July, and no booth is suffered to be erected beyond the extent of its bough; but as their extremities are now become sapless, and age is yearly curtailing their length, the liberties of the fair seem to be in a desponding condition; the honour however is great, but honours are often accompanied with inconveniences, and Fairlop has suffered from its honourable distinctions. In the feasting that attends a fair fires, are often necessary, and no place seemed so proper to make them in as the hollow cavities formed by the heaving roots of the tree; this practise has brought a speedier decay on Fairlop than it might otherwise have suffered from the ravages of time.
NEW COMIC PANTOMIME, SADLERS WELLS.—MONDAY, Sept. 28, 1812. A Comic Dance, called The Camp Wedding. Mr. Rees will sing a new song, called The Battle of Salamanca. After which an entirely New Harlequin Pantomime, called Fairlop Fair; or the Genii of the Oak. Clown, Mr. Grimaldi. ...
Several accidents happened on Friday to persons on their way to Fairlop Fair, a cart, with a number of people, was overturned in an adjoining lane, whereby several were severely injured, and one man killed on the stop; a barouche, in which there were several ladies, was also overturned into a slough, but its inmates experienced no other disaster than what arose from fright.
At Essex Summer assizes we have the first reference to criminality at Fairlop fair, very surprising given the numbers attending:
J. Thomas, charged with privately stealing, from the person of T. Starkey, at Fairlop Fair, a gold seal and key, was acquitted. The same prisoner was convicted on another indictment, and sentenced to transportation for life.
By providing a list of fairs in the vicinity of London (which said that Fairlop lasted 2 days) the writer concludes there are “36 days dedicated to idleness, within a few miles of London.”
At the trial of J. Inwood (for stealing a Prayer-book containing 60l. in bank-notes, property of J. Butler), we have the arrest:
Barnes, a Bow-street Patrole, apprehended the prisoner [Inwood] in a gig on Hounslow-heath, going to Fairlop fair. He took him to the Bell at Hounslow, and searched him; but nothing was found on him, except the prosecutor’s Prayer Book.
Benjamin Johnson, (who was recommended to be employed as a patrole by the Recorder of London, that Gentleman having been deceived by his supposed activity in detecting and prosecuting offenders) having lately been mentioned among others as being concerned in planning robberies, and it being ascertained that he went to Fairlop Fair without orders, where he apprehended a well known thief, and took two guineas or a two pound note to liberate him, he was suspended from his office of a horse patrole, and the magistrate thought it right to order him into custody till the suspicious circumstances against him were cleared up.
William Leary and Uriah Smith were convicted of stealing a work-box, value 30s. On the behalf of the prisoner Leary two witnesses were called, who gave him an excellent character.—The constable who apprehended them said, that he believed he was induced by Smith to join in the robbery. Smith (a gipsy boy), when asked if he had any friends, said, “No please you, my Lord, they is all gone to Fairlop Fair.” (A laugh.)
Fairlop Fair.—This day, according to annual custom, the block and pump makers, in the vicinity of Wapping, will go from Wapping Old Stairs, in boats fixed on coach carriages, drawn by horses, with awnings, colours, and bands of music, to Fairlop Fair, in Hainault Forest, Essex, and make procession round the great Oak, said to be upwards of 1000 years old, and whose venerable branches shadow two acres of ground. This fair took its rise from the eccentricities of Mr. Day, of Wapping, block and pump maker, who for the greatest part of his life annually visited this sport, with a select party of friends; and since his death, which happened in the year 1767, in the 84th year of his age, this fair is annually kept by favour of the Magistrates, without charter.
An Inquest was also held at the London Hospital, on the body of Uriah Megar, aged 49. The deceased had a large family, in the greatest distress, and on Monday morning last, in a starved condition, proceeded to Fairlop, to earn a trifle by holding horses. On his return home, a waggoner said he might ride in his waggon, and on getting out, he fell, and the wheels passed over him, broken both his legs, and so severely injured him, as to cause his death in a few days.
Under “Highway Robbery”, details of Thomas Smith, aged 20, robbing William Haydon of 18s in silver were given:
The facts, as stated by Mr. Haydon and others, were, that on the evening of Fairlop Fair, Haydon, a Mr. Cowell, and a Mr. Jones, with three young ladies, the daughters of one of them, were returning from Fairlop Fair. A gang of 10 or 12 persons appeared to be following them, amongst whom the prisoner was one, and as Mr. Jones was behind the others in his party, and near the gang, he overheard them say they would rob his friends. He immediately joined them, and gave the information, when they determined not go further from the fair, as they should be more out of the way of assistance.—The prisoner and his gang then came up, and three or four collared Hayden and demanded his money; they threw him down and got the silver out of his pockets...
Smith was found guilty and executed on 7th August.
At Fairlop Fair, on Friday, Mr. Latouch, of Valentines, having given a man charge of his mare, he mounted, in order to give her some water, but being startled at the noise of some drums, she ran away with him to a considerable distance; the animal at length broke two legs, and the poor fellow was dreadfully cut on the head.
Wanted a Child to Dry-nurse, by a young healthy married Woman—the greatest care and attention will be paid, having no family of her own—situation on that delightful spot near the May Pole, within half a mile of Fairlop—Please to address, post paid, for G. E. to be left at the May Pole, Barking Side, Essex.
A strange passing remark:
... The large and venerable oak, on Fairlop Common, has been sold for £20: the purchaser, it is said, proposes to convert the timber into snuff-boxes, and other light articles ...
This story is then repeated in the Public Ledger, 29 June 1820, etc. The Oxford University and City Herald follows this up, 8 July 1820 with:
Felling the celebrated Fairlop Oak, so much regretted, it appears was the result of an order from Mr. Long Wellesley.
The Morning Post gives a good, although not detailed report:
Fairlop Fair was held yesterday, and the weather being fine, crowds of well-dressed persons resorted thither.
The Public Ledger, 10 July 1820, however took a different view:
At Fairlop-Fair on Friday, a scene occurred nearly as bad as that at West End, which threw a damp on the amusements, and deterred parties from separating, in order to protect themselves against the organised bands of pickpockets who had assembled in formidable numbers. About one o’clock they commenced business, and in the most daring manner plundered all they met. A Miss C. while in company with some friends, had a gold watch and chain snatched from her side, but they were recovered. A Gentleman taking refreshment in a booth was robbed of 4l. and on seizing the fellow he was most dreadfully beat by the gang. In the evening they went in groups of 30 or 40, and robbed male and females indiscriminately. Several Gentlemen formed themselves into a party, and attacked the ruffians, but the latter were armed with short sticks, loaded with lead, and in the conflicts many were seriously injured. During the time the ships were going round the Oak, music collected a great number of people together; the thieves then behaved in the most audacious manner, and treated the females most brutally. One Gentleman seeing a Peace-officer close by, while a robbery was being committed, asked him why he did not interfere, when he replied, “He was there upon pleasure, and not on duty.” As the company departed, the thieves became still more audacious, and, towards night, were in full possession of the Fair, which so alarmed several parties that they continued all night, not daring to enter the road till day-light.—Those who returned to town were assailed at Mile End Turnpike by a mob, insisting on every one passing, uncovering and shouting for the Queen. A denial was treated with the most hideous yells. In consequence a horse in a gig, in which were two gentlemen, ran off at full speed, overturned the vehicle, greatly bruised the gentlemen, tore up the road with the shafts at his brels[?], and knocked down several people, one of whom was taken in a dreadful state to the hospital.
... The Fairlop Oak in Hainault Forest, Essex, measures, at a yard from the ground, thirty-six feet in circumference, or twelve feet in diameter, overspreads an ear of 300 feet, and covers with its ample shade the booths erected at the famous annual fair, held on the 2d of July ...
Eliza Jarvis and Eliza Garton were charged with robbing the house of Mr. Nightingale, in Vincent’s square. The family went to Fairlop-fair, leaving the house in charge of an old woman, who admitted the prisoners, and treated them with ale; and on their departure they left the street-door open. On the return of the family a desk was found to have been broken open, and 80l. in notes, several guineas, and other property, belonging to Mr. Top, a lodger, were stolen. The prisoners were remanded.
Full details of this appeared in the Morning Chronicle, 24 September 1821, appear in the Old Bailey trial. Interestingly, by then the prisoners were Robert Thurston and William Garton(!), journeymen bricklayers. Garton was found guilty, Thurston acquitted.
Fairlop.—The following article contains some interesting remarks on the late celebrated tree in Hainault forest. A lady in a letter to her brother, describing the handsome pulpit recently erected in the new parish church of St. Pancras, thus alludes to this stupendous monarch of the forest:—“It is a curious circumstance that the venerable oak called Fairlop, which, until lately, flourished in Hainault forest, under whose shade many hours of innocent amusement have been spent, and many, I also fear of riot, and dissipation, is now transplanted to another soil, where it forms the pulpit, in a temple of Christian worship, (built after the model of a heathen one.) ...
In a footnote on the above, against the “pulpit”, is: “There is also a corresponding reading desk formed of the same material.”
The Public Ledger, 6 May 1822, in a detailed article about St. Pancras New Church, repeated the above:
The pulpit and reading-desk stand on opposite sides of the centre aisle, and are composed of the oak of the tree so well known as that under which Fairlop Fair has been held for so many years. The grain of the wood is particularly beautiful, and the general workmanship inimitable.
Following an article on Wandsworth Fair the following then explains how it transformed into Fairlop (and it’s also the first mention of Epping sausages):
Fairlop Fair.—Those pleasure-loving souls, who missed the annual treat at Wandsworth, bent their course to this celebrated spot of cockney recreation; and the booths which had afforded shade and reflection to the perspiring fair-goers in Surry, now greeted the eyes of the thirsty pedestrians who trudged to Hainault Forest, Essex. The ‘noble exhibitions’ too, ‘dragged their slow length along;’ and Fairlop, once only distinguished for an oak tree, and beans and bacon, now shone resplendent in gay streamers and variegated dresses, while the most delicate appetites might be regaled with fine pickled salmon and sausages.
This had an small article, with poems, about Fairlop Fair, giving the history, Daniel Day etc. All the information occurs in Fairlop Fair and its Founder. The History, Origin, and Rise of Fairlop fair had been published in London in 1812, and was probably the source, but why it should come to light in 1822 is unknown. There doesn’t appear to have been a publication around 1822 to spur it and the article doesn’t appear elsewhere.
Accident at Fairlop Fair.—The following serious accident occurred at the Fair:—A spirited horse in a gig, which had been entrusted to the care of a lad, took fright, and with alarming speed rushed amongst the crowd with the vehicle; the infuriated animal galloped over many persons, who were very seriously injured; two fine children were killed, and two women had several of their bones broken, and were conveyed to the surgeon’s.
Boxers.—Small, who defeated Green in a gallant battle, the day Brown and Stockman’s wrangle took place, is matched for 20 guineas to fight Hearn on Wednesday week, at Egham Races; 5l. a side is already staked, and the whole of the money is to be made good this evening at the Black Boy, Long acre. Hearn defeated Small in a pugilistic combat the day Holt and Oliver got roughly handled with two countrymen, near the spot where Fairlop Fair was held.—Betting six to four on Hearn.
Lambeth-street.—Four persons, name Joseph Dixon, John Smith, William Thorowgood, and John Ebbs, were brought up by Welton, an Officer of the Excise, on bench warrants.
It appeared, that the defendants had been summoned, and convicted in fines, for selling spirituous liquors at Fairlop Fair after their certificates expired from the board of excise. Accordingly bench warrants having been issued, they were all apprehended by Welton, and brought to this office for commitment. They were convicted in the following sums (including costs);—Dixon 25l.; Smith 37l. 10s.; Thorogood 11l.; and Ebbs 25l.
BISHOP SHARPE AND COOPER THE GYPSEY.
The seconds in this fight were Hosh. Hudson and Sampson for Sharpe, and Spring and Richmond for Cooper. The plain on which the battle took place was that of Fairlop.
Round 1. Much measurement for distance. Cooper placed his hits, one, two, and had the best of fighting, but he was thrown.
2. Cooper hit Sharpe left and right. Sharpe did not go down with it; but on a second hit he was staggered on his knee. He rose up again like a brave one, and came to the scratch in form.
...
34. In this round the fight was lost on the part of Cooper. He was hurt in the last round in his hitting right arm, which brought the fist to a stand still.
In the 37th round, Cooper was exhausted, and he gave in after fighting one hour and twenty-five minutes.
The company got tired at the first fight, and few remained to see two others.
Duffooe and Reid.—This was a slashing fight, and was won by Duffooe in prime style in 25 minutes; Duffooe cut his adversary’s eye in the first round.
Stockman beat Sparrow in the first round, and won the fight cleverly.
Fairlop Fair.—At a Special Sessions of the Peace, held at the Angel Inn, Great Ilford, Essex, on Saturday last, it was decided by the Magistrates, in consequences of the excesses committed on former occasions, that the fair held annually on the Forest of Hainault, known by the name of Fairlop Fair, the same not being held by charter or prescription, should last but one day, to-morrow.
THIRD DAY. It is customary to have three day’s sport at Hampton, and on Thursday there was a respectable attendance of company in the expectation that such would have been the case on the present occasion. Unfortunately disappoint was the order of the day. There was only one horse run for a wager, and as he had no competitor he had no difficulty in winning. ... The greater part of the tavern keepers broke up their tenements at an early hour to start for Fairlop fair, which was on Friday.
BOXING.—That favoured spot, where nymphs and swains have enjoyed delight in profusion, round the venerable oak of Fairlop, has become the favourite acaeldema for gymnastic sports since it became consecrated by the fight with Bishop Sharpe, and Cooper, the gipsey. There was a strong must of the fancy yesterday, to see three fights, which afforded one of the best day’s play of the season. The first was between James Kirkman and Thomas Wollet, for love, crubs, and twenty sovereigns aside. The appearance of the Commissary General and his Deputy, in a square drag, was the signal for offensive operations. ...
...
From this round Kirkman had the best of the battle, which lasted an hour and 25 minutes. It was all hard work, and both were hit hard. Kirkman always led after the 8th round, and won the fight by a crack on the listener of his adversary.
Fairlop was originally intended for the scene of action between Cooper and Bishop Sharp, but as the Magistrates of that districted objected to their meeting at that place, Dartford, in Kent, was next announced as the point of rendezvous; ...
Forest of Essex, otherwise called Waltham Forest.—Notice is hereby given, that at any Meeting or Assembly at FAIRLOP, in the Walk of East Hainault, within the said Forest, on the FIRST FRIDAY in July, the Lord of the Manor of Barking, nor the Lord of any other Manor within the Forest, has not (as Lord of any such Manor) any right or title to give any permission, nor to receive any payment for the allowing any Stalls or Booths to be placed or erected, nor to allot any Ground within the said Forest for such purposes; but that all such Proceedings are Usurpations against the Rights of the Crown, and of the Warden of the Forest.—For information respecting the obtaining permission to erect Stalls or Booths in the Forest, application must be made either to John Sackett, at Stratford; or to Mr. Wm. Standidge, the Acting Deputy Steward for this purpose, at Fairlop; or at the Steward’s Office, East Hainault Lodge, where attendance will be given every day, from Eleven o’clock in the Forenoon until Five o’clock in the Afternoon, from Monday, the 28th instant, until and during Friday, the 2d day of July.
THOS. E. TOMLINS
Steward of the Courts of the said Forest.
20, Fludyer-street, Westminster, 21st June, 1824.
Stockman and Jones (the Sailor-Boy). After a long estrangement from the Ring in consequence of a naughty trick with Cavannagh, Stockman took the field yesterday ...
The place appointed for the rendezvous was the Maypole Inn, on the borders of Epping Forest, and although the morning was extremely unpropitious, a moderate springling of the Fancy of “low degree” were assembled by twelve o’clock. In the first instance it was proposed to pitch the stakes on the spot devoted to Fairlop Fair, but the dreadful state of the roads led to the prudent measure of choosing a more convenient spot near the Maypole. ...
QUEEN-SQUARE. G. Westby, aged 17, was charged on suspicion of being concerned in various burglaries. Cooper, the Officer, said, the prisoner was a constant companion of Morgan and Barton, examined yesterday on a charge of burglary. He had been seven months out of employ, and had no visible means of getting his living; yet he had lately been new clothed, and when apprehended had 2 sovereigns and a half about him. To account for this, he said he had lately won three sovereigns at a fight at Fairlop. This was not deemed satisfactory, and he was remanded.
Imprisonments.— ... James Purkis, for picking the pocket of Wm. Barritt, at Fairlop Fair, of 16s. three months
[I work in Coventry and so include this, but other than again defining the type of the fair attenders, it adds nothing]
COVENTRY SHOW FAIR.
There is nothing to equal Coventry Fair—no other Fair is like it. Bartholomew Fair—Edmonton Statute—Fairlop Fair—Bow Fair—and Greenwich Fair—all denote the regions of Cockaigne—and all are disgusting. They are the mere fields for the vulgarism and villainy of London largely to take their disport. ...
Again on a report on the Hampton Races, it ends “At the close of the races many itinerants began to move their temporary dwellings to travel the night to Fairlop Fair this day.”
Fairlop Fair.—Yesterday, according to annual custom, it being the first Friday in July, the festivities of Fairlop commenced at an early hour, and continued throughout the day with great spirit.—The very favourable state of the weather (the heat not being so oppressive as in the earlier days of the week) occasioned numerous citizens and their wives to congregate around the celebrated oak, which is now “fast mouldering to decay”—scarcely a vestige or relic of this once-famous oak remaining, to tell of its former greatness.
Horse Stealing.—At Guildhall, yesterday, Wm. Johnson, a young man, having the appearance of a horse-dealer, was charged with stealing a bay mare. Mr. Burrell, the complainant, a gentleman, residing at Waltham Abbey, went to Fairlop Fair on the 7th instant, and entrusted the care of his mare to a bricklayer named Pearson, who had about a dozen other horses under his charge. They were tied round one of the trees in the forest; this was about seven in the evening. On returning, in two hours afterwards, the mare was gone, and Pearson professed he could not tell where or what direction she had gone. The day following, the mare was taken to the City Repository by the prisoner, who said, he brought it for sale from St. Ives, Huntingdonshire. He entered his name as Johnson in the book, and said the price he expected to obtain was 27 guineas. On Friday last it was put up for sale, and the prisoner seemed so anxious to effect the disposal, that he agreed to sell her to a hackneyman for 11l. The hostler was taking her home, when Mr. Burrell met them in Long-lane. The prisoner was remanded until Pearson’s evidence could be obtained.
At the subsequent trial, reported London Courier 22 September 1826, a jury found William Johnson, alias Hawkes, who turned out to be 19, guilty.
In the editorial we have an opinion on efforts to put down Fairlop Fair:
At the late Essex Sessions, as we perceive from the Essex Herald, Fairlop Fair was a prominent subject of discussion. This Fair, it seems, greatly provoked the wrath of the Great Unpaid; but it seems that all the attempts to suppress it have not only failed, but had the lamentable effect of drawing additional crowds to it. One Magistrate, who is described as having been exceedingly active, and somewhat tyrannical, Bamber Gascoyne, Esq., regularly presented it as a nuisance, and at length planned an expedition against the refectory fair-people; but his heart failed him (not to allude to other calamities at the critical time). Sir John Tyrell, who formed part of the expedition, gave a ludicrous account of the result:—
“He was not one (he said) of the Magistrates who assembled on the spot, with some Volunteers, and among others was Sir Henry Dudley. The Deputation and their assistants approached when they were saluted by three such hearty and loud cheers as frightened those present. Sir Henry Dudley, who had often distinguished himself on such occasions, could not restrain Mr. Bamber Gascoyne, who fled; and it was with difficulty Sir Henry could overtake him, and quiet his apprehensions. From what he then saw, he (Sir John) was convinced that but few would again engage in such an undertaking. Five thousand Magistrates would not accomplish the suppression of the fair; and he was of opinion that they ought not to attempt it.” Admiral Harvey stated that he had “attended with Mr. Cameron, Mr. Gascoyne, and others, accompanied by constables from each division; also a considerable body of the local police, &c. They ordered the booths to be taken down, but the numbers assembled shewed the impossibility and danger in effecting such an object; the vulgar wit with which they were assailed, was such as exceeded every thing of the kind he had ever before heard.”
The Editor of The Essex Herald suggests, as “the advocated and promoters of Fairlop-fair are multiplied,” by the very means which have been adopted to suppress it, that a police should be employed for the prevention of mischief. “With the provision of such a police (he says) as was engaged at the last fair, we see no objection to such an annual scene of hilarity.”
But will the gallant Magistracy of the county of Essex, consider the Battle of Fairlop Fair irretrievable, a Waterloo in its way? It was, to be sure, a sauve qui peut affair, but they may be more fortunate another time in a General. It is a dreadful thing to be reminded every year, by this assemblage of 40 or 50,000 people, of the circumstances under which this battle was lost. Such recollections are sufficient to throw a gloom over Magisterial life. What! is the brave Squirearchy of Essex at so low an ebb that they dare not encounter a volley from forty or fifty thousand throats? We should think, that in such a glorious cause as putting a stop to the recreation of so many human beings, there would be found Magistrates ready, not merely to stand the noise and wit of the multitude, but even the chance of a roll in the mud.
In the mean time, we earnestly recommend to the Great Unpaid, an article in the September number of The Edinburgh Review, from which (excepting always the introductory paragraph) they might derive a useful lesson.
“There is no end (says the pleasant writer) to this mischievous meddling with the natural arrangements of society. It would be just as wise to set Magistrates to digest for mankind, as to fix for them in what proportion any particular class of their wants shall be supplied. But there are excellent men, who would place the moon under the care of Magistrates in order to improve travelling by night.”
The Morning Advertiser, 2 November 1826, also dealt with the above with similar condemnation for those who would put down the enjoyments of the people.
Some gypsies or herd keepers having kindled a fire at the root of the fine old elm tree, situate at the cross roads midway between Godmanchester and Fenstanton, and which has long been the admiration of strangers, have destroyed the bark on one side. A similar circumstance proved destructive to the celebrated Fairlop oak.
The unusual favourable state of the weather Friday drew immense multitudes to Fairlop Fair—the “gypsey trips” to the sylvan shades of the Forest Sunday numerous beyond all former precedent.
TWO GUINEAS Reward.—LOST, at Fairlop Fair, a SILVER WATCH—maker’s name “Anthony Weeks, Edmonton, No. 1128,” with a Gold Seal, and two gilt keys. Whoever has found the same, and will bring it to Mr. H. Wayland, Watch-maker, Stratford, Essex, shall receive the above Reward.
In reporting on a fight between Hem Brown and Bill Owen, in “the rural shades of Epping Forest, within a short distance of the Hop Pole” occurs:
In the eighth round, it was Fairlop Fair to a gingerbread nut on Brown, and Owen only came up to be floored.
Quite what’s meant here is unclear!
In described a “dwarf match and a drawn battle” we have:
This great affair between the two little men, David Morgan, the Welshman, and Peter M’Bean, the Scotchman, for 10l. came off on Wednesday near Whetstone ...
David Morgan is a native of Carmarthenshire, in South Wales; his height 3 feet 9 inches, his weight less than six stone, and his age 30 years.
Peter M’Bean is a native of Perth; he has completed his 35th year—stands 3 feet 6 inches, and weighs 6½ stone. At the age of 18 he entered the Driver sloop of war, as purser’s steward, and had a trip to the Mediterranean. He lived some time at the Golden Lion Inn, Newmarket, during which time he defeated a black dwarf, in a public fight, in twenty minutes, on the race-course. Last Fairlop fair he had another shy at a dwarf, but on that occasion he came off only second best.
Among the commitments to Chelmsford goal last week, was Ann Wright. This woman was acquitted of the charge of robbing the Welchman at Barnet fair, of which her husband was convicted and sentenced to transportation. She has been twice married; her first husband was executed here for a violent outrage committed at Fairlop fair. The prisoner is now charged with stealing a bantam fowl at Thaxted, which was found, with its legs amputated, secreted about her person. She is an old offender, although, as she states, only 30 years of age, this being the fourth committal to the prison here.
From this point one I’m not going to list the various criminal cases that mention Fairlop as there’s enough above to give the flavour. Note that with so many people attending, what is so surprising is that there are hardly any criminal cases in the press, at most a couple in the year. What activity there was seemed to be regular criminals exploiting a gathering of a large number of people, rather than the fair itself being criminal in nature.
A fight between Crayfer and Yandell, for ten pounds a side was decided on Wednesday, in a secluded spot, about 300 yards distant from the Maypole public-house, near Fairlop, on the skirts of Epping Forest, about 15 miles from town. After a hard-contested fight of 56 rounds, which lasted an hour and 10 minutes, victory was decided in favour of Yandell.
About 50 years since, the great oak in Hainault Forest, under which Fairlop Fair was kept, was supposed to contain more cubic feet than any other three, but the solid contents were never known to have been taken, and it would have been a most arduous task. Towards sunset, from its amazing branches, it shaded several acres of ground.
Fairlop Fair.—The unpropitious state of the weather threw a gloom over the lovers of rural recreations; the forest of Waltham being keen deep in mud; indeed so exceedingly heavy was the ground, that Richardson, whose theatrical amusements are so well known to the country folks, was compelled to have no less than 15 horses to each of his caravans. The expenses of Richardson for the one day amounted to upwards of 130l. and his receipts must have fallen wofully short of that sum, the last audience he played to consisting of only six persons. Some of the booth-keepers, who had come a distance of 50 miles, declared they had not taken as many shillings. The caravans of Samwell, an opposition theatrical establishment to Richardson, sank so deep in the mud that they could not be extricated: they were unladen in the forest, and the scenery and dresses were conveyed to Romford.
Two constables rode to Fairlop fair on Sunday last, to look after a band of horse-stealers that have been uncommonly busy in Essex for some time past. They have their horses to a boy, while they perambulated the fair; but on returning, discovered, to their great amazement, that the objects of their search was not so distant as they imagined: the steeds were gone—carried off by the very men they were looking for!