3-086-915 - Ware in the World/Heritage Images

Mop Fair, High Street, Marlborough, Wiltshire c1960s. Mop fairs were traditionally held in the period between Michaelmas and Martinmas (October-November) and were hiring fairs for labourers and servants. The tradition began after the Black Death in the 14th century when labour was scarce, and persisted until early in the 20th century in some places. Since the First World War, any that are still held have become purely fun fairs. Amongst the best known are the two fairs, the 'Little Mop' and 'Big Mop' held in early October in Marlborough. View from the spire of St Peter’s Church, towards the Town Hall.