Page "Ovingham" Paragraph 2

Ovingham had a charter for a market and two annual fairs on 26 October and 26 April.

There was also a monthly tryst for cattle and sheep, which was discontinued in 1823.

The ceremony for the Fair was similar to Stagshaw.

A procession moved to the principal alehouse for the ' riding of the fair ', led by the Duke of Northumberland's pipers, dressed in light blue and adorned with the Duke's sign of a crescent moon.

The procession included the Duke's agent, bailiff, constable with many farmers and tenants.

The fair was proclaimed and then they beat the bounds, returning to the tavern to drink the Duke's health from punch provided by him.

After this men, women and children alike went to enjoy the amusements — stalls, Punch and Judy and performers such as fire-breathers.

The custom was discontinued in time, but it has been revived in recent years as the ' Goose Fair ', since in the days of the old Fair geese would play an important part in the sale.

Quill pens were made in Ovingham from goose feathers.