An Old English Fair

Whilst delving through the archives at Tonbridge Library yesterday, I came across an interesting programme for the 'Old English Fair' held in the castle grounds on July 1st 1950, and as I was attending an Arts Festival meeting in the evening this really drew my attention as to how it was done in the 50's.

The occasion was to celebrate a visit by HRH The Duchess of Kent to Tonbridge, who after visiting the then Day Nursery at Hectorage Road, Tonbridge School and High Hilden was to spend the afternoon, as guest of honour, at the fair.

It must have been an amazing spectacle of colour as the Band of the 1st Battalion and the Massed Drums of the lst and 4th Battalions Beat Retreat along the River Walk.

Admission to the fair was 1s, children were half-price at 6d, and entry points were Castle Street, Water Gate, Slade and the Sports Ground.

The list of events that took place made fascinating reading.

"Country Dancing, and Display by the League of Health and Beauty at frequent Intervals. Booths, Sideshows, Pony Rides, River Trips. All the fun of the fair. Running Buffets by Letheby and Christopher Ltd. of East Grinstead.

Band displays and music during the afternoon in the Castle Grounds and River Walk.

Old Time and Country Dancing on the Lawn from 8p.m.

Old Time Dancing in the Medway Hall at 7.30 p.m.  Admission 3s 6d "

Twenty nine local organisations took part. Amongst them were produce stalls run by the National Farmers' Union and the Townswomen's Guild, Hoop-la by The Tonbridge Sisterhood and a China Stall by The Mothers' Union.  There was a Gipsy Encampment and Wishing Well organised by Tonbridge Municipal Association, a Treasure Island by Tonbridge Chamber of Trade and The Stocks were manned by Tonbridge Rugby Football Club (nothing changes).  The sale of brochures was the responsibility of the Tonbridge Ladies' Hockey Club and the turnstiles were stewarded by Tonbridge Hockey Club.

I was amazed at how many of the town's clubs and societies all came together to help to make the fair a success, and it illustrated the strength of community in Tonbridge in the 1950's.  It also is a reminder that Tonbridge Castle and grounds have been central in the history of hosting the town's events ... and long may the tradition continue.

Dog Show and Fete - Tonbridge Castle Lawn 2011

If you wish to view the original copy of the programme it is in the historical archives at Tonbridge Library.