800 years in the market
A CHARNWOOD heritage plaque has been unveiled to mark the 800th anniversary of the Royal Charters for Loughborough Markets and Loughborough Fair.
Charnwood Borough Council, which operates the markets and fair, commissioned the plaque and it was unveiled during a ceremony at Loughborough Town Hall today (July 31) - exactly 800 years to the day when the first fair was held in the town under the charter.
Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “We are extremely proud to mark the anniversary with the commissioning of a heritage plaque.
“Both the markets and fair are incredibly popular and it is incredible to think they have been taking place for 800 years.
“They are not only an integral part of the community but they are also very important to the local economy, bringing in thousands of visitors each year. The markets have continued through the pandemic and been a lifeline to many people and we look forward to the fair returning this year.
“I would also like to thank the traders and Loughborough Fair showpeople for all their support over the years.”
The heritage plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Paul Baines, who said: “I was honoured to unveil the plaque and mark such a significant milestone in Loughborough’s history.
“The markets and fair mean a lot to the town and its people and I am pleased we have been able to celebrate 800 years of the royal charters this year. It is an amazing achievement.”
In 1221, a young King Henry III granted a Royal Charter to Hugh le Despenser, the Lord of the manor, to hold a weekly Thursday market and an annual fair in Loughborough. E igh t centuries later, the market and fair are run by the borough council which is working with partners to mark the landmark year.
The ceremony included the reading of the original charter and themed entertainment with a storyteller and reenactors.
Loughborough Fair is held in November and approximately 100 individual show people attend each year, presenting around 20 large rides between them and numerous children’s rides, games and novelty stalls and refreshments.
This year’s fair is planned for November 10 – 13 and for the latest updates on Loughborough
Fair please keep an eye on the council’s website.
For further information on events and activities planned for the 800year anniversary of the Royal Charter for Loughborough Market and Fair please visit: charnwood.gov.uk/ loughborough_markets_and_loughborough_