Today was the first day back for Bartholomew Fair. We found information about it on a visit to St Bartholomew the Great.

Turns out it was a good place to read the news, because the Fair began not far from where the old church stands. The road running beside the church is called Cloth Fair and I suppose that must link back to the original fairs, which apparently were all about cloth and fabric, the aim being to raise funds for the Priory that used to be there.

The Fair’s first charter was granted by Henry 1 in 1133, and it seems to have started off quietly enough, but it sounds like it grew into a riot of dodgy entertainment until it either fell off, or was kicked off, the stage in 1855. The beautifully illustrated souvenir edition of The Courant gives a tasty flavour of all the comings and goings.

Anyway, roll on to this year, almost 900 years later, and things are kicking off again. Today I saw acrobats on St Paul’s, clowns and entertainment in Pater Noster Square, music popping up around the corners, and plenty on for children. It all felt very cheerful.

Might be worth a look if you’re anywhere near the City before 16 September. Looks like it will be moving around the place a bit so best to check at thecityofldn.com.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023