ROYAL PERMISSION
From medieval times, the King had to give his permission, in the form of a Royal Charter, for a town to hold a regular market or annual fair. In England and Wales, these markets were commonly held once a week, on a certain day and in a set place. Fairs were held annually, on a set date, usually associated with a feast day or a saint, and in a set place, and could last one or several days.
The local lords of the manor charged tolls to the farmers and traders who brought livestock and goods to sell. This made the events quite profitable, so many were keen to have them. The fairs in Masham, however, remained toll-free, making them particularly popular, though not among other towns in the locality, whose own toll-charged events were less busy as a result.
The farmers brought their butter and other dairy products to sell at the markets, as well as buying and selling sheep and cattle, which would have to be driven to and from the market on foot. But these events provided a social element for the farmers; many of whom probably saw few people outside their often isolated farms.
The fairs were larger, with additional entertainment as well as the market, and they were seen by many as an annual outing for the whole family. Here, visitors to the fair could buy the things they would need, such as materials for making clothes, household items, and perhaps the odd little luxury, to see them through until the following year.
fleece and washing it. It takes 10 days for the fleece to fully dry.”
Molly is carding her sheep in readiness for the judging. This is a type of brush which pulls out any loose wool from the fleece.
Masham is a particularly popular show, and entry fees are low at just £1.50 for a class. Winners receive a prize of £12, a rosette and certificate. But no sheep are sold today at the fair: they are there for showing only. The value of the flock of a winning sheep will increase, however, as people seek them out to breed and show themselves.
Vicky Smith and her dog Noodles are visiting from Huddersfield. Vicky has a smallholding, where she keeps sheep and chickens as a hobby, and she comes to the sheep fair at Masham every three or four years. “I have Shetland sheep, but I enjoy coming to Masham to see the other breeds,” she says. “It’s a great place to make contacts with other breeders and smallholders, and I love the atmosphere.”
Hazel Hindmarch is a regular at Masham. Other years, she has attended the sheep fair as a judge, but today she is showing her Hampshire Down ram. This breed was developed almost 200 years ago and is particularly popular with crafters, who love their fleeces, despite the sheep being mainly bred for its meat. They are long-lived, good mothers and quick growers, meaning they are ready for market earlier: excellent for sheep farmers who will see a return on their money more quickly.
Hazel is lined up with other owners, who are all chatting to one other, including Angela Shaw and Geoff Todd, who have been up since 2am to drive down from Stranraer, a five-hour journey. “We all know one another,” says Hazel. “It’s very friendly, despite us competing against each other.”
Judging circuit
Judging is going on all the time at the show. Some sheep are haltered; others are just held by their handlers, including the lamb being shown by five-year-old Luke Percy, who has travelled from Clitheroe in Lancashire with his godfather Richard Lancaster. Richard is helping Luke build a flock of Beltex sheep, as it is something they can do together.
Elsewhere at the show, one of the larger unhaltered sheep makes a bolt for freedom at judging time, having briefly got away from its teenage handler. But it is quickly grabbed by a bystander, much to everyone’s amusement, and the two are reunited with minimum fuss.
Judging the Charollais is James Clanachan, who has travelled from Dumfries. A member of the Charollais Sheep Society, James is a farmer himself, with sheep and cattle at home, and he is invited to judge shows all over the country, although this is his first time at Masham. “You get to know the showers as you often see the same faces at the shows and sales,” he says. “I would
“For he hears the lambs innocent call, And he hears the ewes tender reply, He is watchful while they are in peace, For they know when their Shepherd is nigh”
William Blake, ‘The Shepherd’