Medieval Fair

You are probably familiar with the idea of a fair–an outdoor event at a large venue full of food, games, entertainment, and shopping. You may have attended a county or state fair. However, fairs are not just modern entertainment. One can look back to the Middle Ages for proof. Medieval fairs started as religious ceremonies before transitioning to sociocultural and economic events. Keep reading to learn about early medieval fairs.

Fig. 1: Modern Fair

The Medieval Period

The medieval period, also expressed as the Middle Ages, was from 500-1500 CE. It describes the time from the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance.

Many people previously considered this point a time ruled by ignorance and social and economic oppression, but medieval times can be viewed as a time of positive change. The idea of Europe as its own unit emerged with political, social, and economic systems changing.

Medieval fairs are an example of a change in economic systems–they began as religious events and evolved into an economic marketplace before pivoting to cultural centers.

Meaning of Medieval Fair

A medieval fair was a sociocultural gathering and economic marketplace in medieval times. You may see medieval fairs, also referred to as charter fairs.

Fig. 2: Mystery Play

History and Origin of the Medieval Fair

Medieval fairs began as religious ceremonies before transitioning into a major economic marketplace. Later, they would become just as important for the social opportunities they provided.

During the Roman Empire, a fair would be used as a holiday from labor and the work of the royal court. By the 7th century, a regular fair was being held by the French royal family. With time, these events were held on Christian religious occasions throughout Europe, with merchants gathering in the churchyards to sell their wares. Fairs evolved to the point where they were held in annual intervals, for example, on a day celebrating a patron saint's feast.

In the 12th century, English towns could secure permission from the crown to hold a fair that would serve local residents. This fair usually lasted a few days. They became increasingly popular, especially in the 13th century. At this point, England began to trade wool and cloth, with many English merchants attempting to control the trade market. The medieval fair system created a loophole of sorts, allowing other producers from outside the area to participate. It also paved the way for the wealthy to obtain luxury goods from outside the area. This would create profits for both the church and the nobility.

While fairs were significant in that they were the primary way people could buy and sell goods, their social benefits were important, too. Medieval fairs were a source of entertainment for the townspeople. They were entertained by jugglers, magicians, dancing bears, and mystery plays. Fairs often featured music, drinking, and dancing.

Remember, one of the most significant features of a medieval fair was the economic benefits. Vendors would come from all over to sell their goods. Some of these items included:

• spices
• meat
• wine
• animals

Medieval Fairs were enjoyed by all. Peasants were happy to attend, allowing them to break from their work routine. Nobility enjoyed the fairs as they could buy luxury items from far away locations.

The Time Period of the Medieval Fair

While they began as early as the 7th century, medieval fairs were at their height in both the 12th and 13th centuries. They would often last two to three days.

Primary Function of the Medieval Fair

Medieval Fairs were significant economic events in medieval towns. Merchants from various European towns would come together to buy and sell goods. Vendors would sell items like rugs, textiles, and spices.

Medieval fairs were the main way merchants could sell and trade goods.

Medieval fairs allowed the wealthy nobility to obtain luxury items they couldn't find in their town. Travel was dangerous and difficult, so this opportunity was exceptional.

Fig. 3: Medieval Town of Rue

Importance of the Medieval Fair

Medieval fairs were important as they were the main way people could buy and sell goods. They were also important as they allowed people to take time away from laborious work for enjoyment and entertainment. Medieval life was difficult, especially for peasants, and a fair would allow a reprieve from the day-to-day.

The End of Medieval Fairs

Over time, medieval fairs became obsolete as marketplaces. Major merchants began to gain influence and became the primary place for the rich and powerful to obtain their goods. Trading organizations developed as communication and travel became easier. The development of other methods of transportation and permanent markets eroded the necessity of fairs.

Eventually, fairs became more important for their social and cultural aspects than economic ones.

Medieval Fairs Summary

The Medieval period, or Middle Ages, is from 500-1500 CE. Medieval fairs became popular among peasants, townspeople, and nobility during this point. While they began as early as the 7th century, medieval fairs were the most popular in both the 12th and 13th centuries. Fairs could last up to two to three days.

Medieval fairs began as religious ceremonies. Over time, they evolved into large economic events in medieval towns. Merchants from various European towns would come together to buy and sell goods. This was the primary way people sold and bought goods.