London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
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Mitcham Fair
A giant golden key rides a carousel in Mitcham Fair, which is traditionally opened by the ceremonial turning of a huge key by the mayor.
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Overview
Mitcham Fair is believed to be one of England’s oldest fairs and is traditionally opened each year when the mayor raises a huge golden key above his head and turns it a number of times. In this film, the mayor is shown riding the carousel with his massive symbolic key and looking a little sulky about it. We also see several other rides and get an idea of the huge crowds that have attended the event.
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