A family fun day at an historic fair in Wool
Wool's Charter Fair on Saturday 11th May at the Millenium Square
By Wool Parish Councillor, Kitty Smith
Wool Parish Council wants to welcome people of all ages to come and enjoy this event, and make it a fun day out with your family.
This year’s Charter Fair will take place on Saturday, 11th May 2024 and the event starts from 11:00 am and it will finish at 4:30 pm approximately.
The origin of the Wool Charter Fair was dates back to the 13th century; to the Monks and Abbotts of Bindon Abbey in the year of 1280, allowing them to hold a fair or market near to Wool Manor.
To keep up-to-date for the Charter Fair, the Wool Parish Council has planned to base the theme on Victorian Costume styles this year if possible, and this event will take place in the Millenium Square (outside the Catholic Church), Wool.
There will be a traditional Street Organ, traditional Arts and Crafts, Morris dancing, Military re-enactments from 11th Devonshire Reginment, Poole Bobbin Lace Circle for Lace Work, Foods and Drinks stalls etc and much more.
So, we encourage you and your family come along to celebrate and to mark this ancient Charter Fair event and to make it a wonderful out, in the village of Wool, Wareham, Dorset.
For more details and updates see the Wool Parish Council Website.
If you would like to dress in Victorian Costume on the day; you are most welcome to do so. Finally, we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, 11th May 2024.
What is a Charter Fair?
A charter fair is a traditional street fair or market which was orginally established by Royal Charter.
Many charter fairs date back to the Middle Ages, reaching their peak of popularity in the 13th century. During the 12th century, many English towns acquired the right from the Crown to hold an annual fair.
The fair was often used by merchants and traders to sell their wares. By the 19th century the Charter Fair had developed and changed, becoming less about trading and more focused on entertainment and performance.
Wool Charter Fair dates back to the Monks and Abbotts of Bindon Abbey allowing a fair in 1280
Competition at Wool Library
In celebration of the Charter Fair Wool Library are launching a writing competition for primary school children.
The theme of the Fair is Victorian Life so they are asking children to write a story of 300 words on “Life as Victorian Child”.
Entries close on April 29th. Send your entries to info@woolcommunitylibrary.org or post them through our library letterbox marked “Wool Charter Fair competition”
Include your name, age and contact details. £25 to be won in each age group!
Pick up a flyer from the library for more information.
