I love this creatively written poster for the Tonbridge Michaelmas Fair from 1813. However, two lines are illegible. The first is directly after 'For a New Straw Bonnett' and the second is below 'A race for a new gown piece'. Maybe someone can work out the wording.
TONBRIDGE FAIR
_________________
on WEDNESDAY, the 17th October 1813
TONBRIDGE MICHAELMAS FAIR
Will take place, when there will be LOTS of FUN such as the following
For Ladies Young or Old
A RACE
For a New STRAW BONNETT
A RACE FOR A NEW GOWN PIECE
DRINKING HOT TEA
FOR A POUND OF THE BEST BOHEA
for
GENTLEMEN NOT PARTICULAR AS TO AGE
Climbing a Pole,
For a LEG OF MUTTON
SMOAKING FOR A POUND OF TOBACCO
GRINNING through Horse Collars
Eating Apples out of a Pail of Water
DONKEY RACING,
Three to Start, or no Race
EATING ROLLS AND TREACLE
With many other Sports to numerous to mention
_______________________________________
N.B. The above interesting Amusements will take place in front of the ANGEL
commencing at ONE o'clock
_______________________________________
BRIDGER, PRINTER, STATIONER of TONBRIDGE
I think they all say 'Three to start or no race'
ReplyDeleteWhat a great poster!
Is that really smoking for tobacco or does smoaking mean something else?
Drinking hot tea? a strange one!
My favourite is eating rolls and treacle, I bet the folk from the Poorhouse were at the front of the queue for most of these.
I think I just read that Tonbridge had a Fair every 17 Oct. unfortunately my memory is on the blink and I can't remember where it was to check, maybe you know?
I smiled at the rolls and treacle. How wonderful is that. I am not sure that I have read the date correctly as it could easily be the 11th October, however I do believe a fair was a yearly event in Tonbridge. Will get onto that one!
DeleteWhat a great poster, maybe some of these games could be used during the next Tonbridge Carnival! Wendy
ReplyDeleteYes, good idea. Isn't it amazing to think that the fair took place outside the demolished Angel pub and where Poundstretcher stands today.
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