"Our lammas fair commenced yesterday, there was a large shew of cattle, but the expectations of peace rendered the sale heavy at reduced prices. The price of leather also experienced a considerable fall. Good horses were scarce, those of the middling and inferior order abounded, and were cutting capers in all directions, to catch the eye of the inexperienced purchasers, but in general, the whip, the spur and the ginger were equally unavailing, as, tho' the spectators were many, the buyers were few.
"Two of these splashing jockies, galloping to catch the eye of a customer, rode against each other. and were thrown; one of them had his thigh broken, the other was severely wounded on the head, and was otherwise much bruised. - They were both taken to the Devon and Exeter hospital, where the formerr lies, in a fair way of recovery; the latter was soon enabled to be moved under the care of his own friends, his wounds being not dangerous. We could wish this accident might operate as a caution, to deter others from such improper conduct in future."
The tanning industry and the sale of hides were among the city's major sources of income. A fall in the price of leather was therefore significant, The Lammas Fair was the high spot of the year and people came in their thousands to Exeter. What with horses cutting capers and splashing jockeys and ginger, in the sense of high spirits, the fair must have been an animated occasion even when sales were depressed.
I wonder if Lammas (traditionally 1st August) was, from the first, a particular holiday in Exeter because it coincides with the festival of Saint Peter in Chains. Saint Peter being the patron of our city.
Source: The Exeter Flying Post. 31st July 1806.
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