Loughborough is famous for its markets and fair and 2021 marked the 800th anniversary of the Royal Charters which granted permission for the market and fair to be held. They were awarded by King Henry III to Hugh le Despenser who was the Lord of the Manor. King Henry was just nine at the time and he later confirmed the charters in 1227.
The markets are still going strong today.
Loughborough's retail market takes place every Thursday and Saturday and there's a Vintage Market every Friday.
Loughborough Fair takes place every November, brining thousands of people into town for family fun and entertainment.
Both the markets and fair are operated by Charnwood Borough Council. Visit the Council website for more information, including about how to trade on the markets.
Potted History
The charters were first granted in 1221 but they were reaffirmed several times.
January 22, 1221
A charter was signed by King Henry III granting permission to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Despenser for a weekly market to be held in Loughborough every Thursday.
January 27, 1221
A charter was signed by King Henry III granting permission to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Despenser for a fair to be held on The Vigil and Day of St Peter ad Vincula (July 31 and August 1).
February 12, 1227
Henry III again granted Hugh le Despenser permission to hold a weekly Thursday market.
February 12, 1227
King Henry III granted Hugh le Despenser permission to hold a fair on The Vigil and Day of St Peter ad Vincula (July 31 and August 1)
1228
A charter was granted for a fair around All Souls Day. Changes to the Calendar introduced in 1752 resulted in the loss of eleven days and the date of the fair became November 13. However, in 1881 local officials obtained an order to stipulate that the opening day of the Fair would always fall on the second Thursday in November and the date has since remained constant.
February 6, 1229, and February 25, 1233
The fair is granted again by King Henry III to Hugh le Despenser.
Loughborough Markets and Fair 1221 - 2021 - Book
For sale for £9.99 from Tuesday May 17, 2022 at the Local and Family History Centre at Loughborough Library.
The book charts over 800 years of history of the Loughborough Markets and Fair. Researched and presented by Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group.
