Alphington cattle and horse fairs at Midsummer and Michaelmas
Photo by Thomas Williams
A nineteenth century glimpse
By Chris Jago
The writer, W.J.Harte, included in his brief work entitled, History of Alphington, a description of the cattle and horse fairs that were held in the village during the first half of the nineteenth century. He writes:
During the first half of the nineteenth century, Alphington was noted for its cattle and horse fairs. The former was held at Midsummer and the latter, which was established in 1632, at Michaelmas. During these times there were 23 public or 'bush' houses open in the village for the sale of beer and cider, and the Admiral Vernon Inn cooked as many as 60 geese for consumption during the two days of the fair, as well as other joints. It was the largest horse fair in Devon and was also attended by gipsies who bought and sold horses, whilst their wives and daughters sold fortunes. It was held in the road from the bridge leading to Shillingford near Clapper Brook Lane. But this was an unsatisfactory site, and the fair was moved to a field near at hand. until it ceased to be held in 1870.
Prof. W.J.Harte; History of Alphington; p4.