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Place Mill on Christchurch Quay is the venue for this year’s commemoration of historic St Faith’s Fair. On Saturday 3rd October, from 11.00am until 2.00pm, local people in medieval costume will celebrate the everyday lives of the town’s 13th century residents with music, games, and historical displays.
The original Fair was centred on the feast day of St Faith, 6th October, and was held after the 21 year-old Lord of the Manor, Baldwin de Redvers, was granted a royal charter by King Henry III in December 1257. Christchurch benefitted further when Baldwin donated most of the revenue from the Fair to the town’s burgesses.
Event organiser Phil Tate, who also organised last year’s 750th anniversary celebration of the first St Faith’s Fair, said: “It’s remarkable to think that Place Mill was already well over a hundred years old when the first St Faith’s Fair was held in 1258, and here we are well over a hundred years after the Fair was abolished in 1871 and the Mill is still standing. It’s one of the town’s historic gems and deserves to be celebrated.”
Fellow organiser Kaz Hand added: “Although they’re important, it’s not just about the wonderful historic buildings we have in Christchurch, it’s also about the people who helped shape the town – which gives us a great excuse to dress up! Everyone is welcome to come along in medieval garb on the day.”
Report by Philip Tate
Picture by Vicky Siddons
Picture Caption: Pilgrims to last year’s St Faith’s Fair
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