St Giles' Fair, Oxford
Since the nineteenth century, St Giles' Fair has been held on the Monday and Tuesday following the first Sunday after St Giles' Day (1 September).
The Fair evolved from the St Giles' parish wake of the early seventeenth century, which later became known as St Giles' Feast. In the 1780s it was a "toy" fair (selling miscellaneous cheap and useful wares), and by 1800 it had become a general fair to entertain children. From the 1830s there were amusements for adults as well. By the end of the nineteenth century there were several proposals to close it, as it had become too rowdy and licentious.
Today the fair is host to some thrilling and exciting rides as well as traditional stalls and games.
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Heaviside
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