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Markets

Stilton Cheese MarketIf we could visualise the Melton Market of medieval times and indeed right up to the beginning of the 19th century, we would find each class of commodity had a different selling place around its own particular market cross. In addition to these 5 markets numerous fairs were also held throughout the year.

There were originally only two fairs, one on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Whitsun week and the other one on the Vigil Day and Morrow of St. Lawrence (10 August) continuing for eight days. These two fairs were included in the list of liberties owned by the Lord of the Manor in the reign of Edward II (1307-27). By 1902 the number of fairs had increased greatly.

Other fairs included, among others:

  • The New Ram Fair on the fourth Tuesday in September
  • Stilton Cheese Fairs held in April, September and December
  • Annual Wool Sale started by Shoulers in June 1890
  • Annual Statute Fair held at Michaelmas at the top of Burton Street