The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
This film is part of Free
Rothwell Fair
It may look like a riot but there's a long history behind this punch up at Rothwell.
From the collection of:
Overview
Early in the morning of Proclamation Day in the Northamptonshire town of Rothwell the local bailiff, while on horseback, reads out the 1204 charter from King John which granted market status on the town. Rum and milk is served, the town's people attempt to disarm the bailiff's attendents in a bit of a scuffle and then the group move on to the next pub to repeat the process! An elaborate pub crawl or a celebration of the town's historical development?
Proclamation Day in Rothwell is the first Monday after Trinity Sunday. The Royal Charter was issued to Rothwell by King John in 1204.