Lenton Priory - Lenton Fair

Lenton Fair

In 1164 the Priory received a charter to hold a fair, and this was the main fair for Nottingham people for trade, larger even than the Nottingham Goose Fair. It would begin on 11 November and run for eight days. (For some seventy years in the 13th century the fair's duration was extended to twelve days).

While Lenton's fair was on, no market could be held in Nottingham and such was its size that many of Nottingham's shopkeepers and traders came to the Fair in order to stock up their own shelves.

The Fair continued after the demise of the Priory, though its length was gradually reduced. Its emphasis slowly changed, and in 1584 it was described as a horse-fair when servants of Mary, Queen of Scots attended. By the 17th century the Fair had acquired a reputation as a great fair for all sorts of horses. In the 19th century it was largely frequented by farmers and horse dealers. The Fair finally ceased at the beginning of the 20th century.