A brief history of the UK Showman

The year is 43 AD and the first FERIA (Latin for Fair)takes place in Britain.
The Romans held Fairs all over Britain on Holy Days and Celebrations.
Side shows and Booths provided the entertainment
In AD 410 the Romans left and though many things changed,the ancient Fairs still took place.
In the 10th century,the larger Fairs were held by order of the Kings' Royal Charter,held in the same place,same time every year,opening from dawn till dusk each day.
By the 1600s, small hand operated Children's Rides and games had appeared,which were
followed eventually by large roundabout's and the Ferris wheel.
With the invention of the Steam Engine,fairs were able to open late into the night,and people flocked to see for the first time,the magic of the Electric Light. The Fair was the first place that people witnessed the wonder of moving pictures, the Cinema was born!
Many of the aforementioned Charter Fairs still take place today,with a history now dating back hundreds of years.
Sadly some have been taken from us,Like Hamilton Fair which was chartered by King Charles the Second in 1670 to the Duchess of Hamilton,till 1996-
then refused permission after some 300 years, at the stroke of a pen by the local Council.
What would be left of our Heritage if those who wanted,had been allowed to destroy our castles and all the treasures within?
Fairs are a part of our Heritage,not only do they deserve a place of their own in history,but also to progress and stand proud in their place of origin.
We are proud of our past and our children will take us into the future.They will provide fun for your children because it is their heritage too, and to lose it
just wouldn't be FAIR!

funfair-scotland will strive to present the best rides and games available for your event.

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