CHAPTER I.

Origin of Fairs--Charter Fairs at Winchester and Chester-- Croydon Fairs--Fairs in the Metropolis--Origin of Bartholomew Fair--Disputes between the Priors and the Corporation--The Westminster Fairs--Southwark Fair--Stepney Fair--Ceremonies observed in opening Fairs--Walking the Fair at Wolverhampton--The Key of the Fair at Croydon--Proclamation of Bartholomew Fair 1