MARKETS AND FAIRS
The Dengie 100 has a long tradition in holding
markets and fairs . A survey in 1575 recorded markets in 6 locations within the
district although they all appear to have ceased between 1800 and
1863.
The three major marketplaces in the district were Bradwell on sea, Burnham on Crouch and Southminster with fairs at Bradwell on Sea and Burnham on Crouch.
Bradwell on Sea
Bradwell on Sea was granted a charter on 2 May 1283 by King Edward 1 to John de la Mare allowing a market to be held at the Manor on Mondays. At the same time Royal approval was given to holding fairs at the Manor to mark the nativity of John the Baptist on 24 June and Peter ad Vincula on 1 August.
Bradwell market was so successful that the organiser of the market at Southminster unsuccessfully complained to the King in 1285 that the viability of Southminster market was being threatened by the Bradwell market even though it was held on a different day.
Burnham on Crouch
Burnham on Crouch was granted a charter for
its market on 22 October 1253 by King Henry 3rd to Walter FitzRobert for a market to be held at the Manor on Tuesdays. At the same time Royal approval was given for a fait to be held at the Manor to mark the exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September.
A further annual market was approved in 1348 to be held annually on 25 April and a toy market was held on 21 and 22 September each
year.
Southminster
A market was first recorded in Southminster on 5 November 1218, when it was run by the Bishop Of London at the Manor. The market was in place before that date as the record of recognises the change of market day from Monday to Thursday. This makes it the earliest recorded market in the Dengie 100.
The tradition of
Southminster was further upheld when a livestock and general market was
established in 1902 to marked the fine local produce of the fertile region .
Unfortunately the market closed in 1937 leaving only the auction house run by E
J Gale in Station Road.
Other markets
Latchingdon, Steeple and Ostend are all
recorded as having general markets whilst Althorne held a toy market annually on
5 June.
Markets and Fairs Today
Although no street markets exist within the area today
a monthly farmers market in Burnham on Crouch continues the tradition.
Fairs continues with large and popular fairs being held as part
of Southminster Flower Show in mid July and Burnham Carnival in late
September.
