FAIRES. The most celebrated faire in North Wiltshire for sheep is at
Castle Combe, on St. George's Day (23 April), whither sheep-masters
doe come as far as from Northamptonshire. Here is a good crosse and
market-house; and heretofore was a staple of wooll, as John Scrope,
Esq. Lord of this mannour, affirmes to me. The market here now is very
inconsiderable. [Part of the cross and market-house remain, but there
is not any wool fair, market, or trade at Castle Combe, which is a
retired, secluded village, of a romantic character, seated in a narrow
valley, with steep acclivities, covered with woods. The house,
gardens, &c. of George Poulett Scrope, Esq. M.P., the Lord of the
Manor, are peculiar features in this scene. - J. B.]
At Wilton is a very noted faire for sheepe, on St. George's Day also;
and another on St. Giles's Day, September the first. Graziers, &c.
from Buckinghamshire come hither to buy sheep.
Wilton was the head town of the county till Bishop Bingham built the
Bridge at Harnham which turned away the old Roman way (in the Legier-
booke of Wilton called the he?epath, i. e. the army path), and brought
the trade to New Sarum, where it hath ever since continued.
At Chilmarke is a good faire for sheep on St. Margaret's day, 20th
July.
Burford, near Salisbury, a faire on Lammas day; 'tis an eminent faire
for wooll and sheep, the eve is for wooll and cheese.
At the city of New Sarum is a very great faire for cloath at Twelf-
tyde, called Twelfe Market.
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