1150 Garlic Fair granted to St Radegund's

According to Taylor, Garlic Fair was granted to the Nuns of St Radegund in the mid 12th Century. Assuming they are writing about the same event, Willis and Clark seem to disagree, saying that it was granted to St Radegund's in 1438.

It was always low-key and few details remain in written records. Nevertheless, its longevity must have meant that it had great economical and social significance. It was held at the time of the Assumption (or the pagan Lammas), in mid-August. Its site was within the walls of the nunnery, off Jesus Lane, and was entered by a gate in a mud wall.

In 1496 the nunnery was disolved, and its buildings and grounds were taken by the newly-founded Jesus College. Garlic Fair continued regardless, at least until 1654, when a reference to the Garlic Fair gate was made in the records of Jesus College.

The Fair was later moved down the road a little.

Storylines using this article

Medieval Fairs [next]