Horncastle Fair

from Lincs to Land and Sea by Jan and Paul Ramsey

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about

For six centuries the fair took place for 2-3 weeks each August. In the mid-19th century it was purported to be the largest horse fair in Europe, possibly the world. Buyers and sellers came from as far as America and Russia. By 1860 Horncastle had 48 licensed inns and beer houses - an inn for every 100 of the town’s usual population! The arrival of the railway and then motorised vehicles saw the fairs grow shorter in time and importance. The last major horse fair was in 1948. The song first appeared in print in 1892.

lyrics

As I was going to Horncastle Fair, and the wind blew fair
I trotted on trotted on my way, for so many merry folks were there
Going to that famous fair, riding to Horncastle town

A maid, I met, a-riding all alone and the wind blew cold
She trotted on, trotted on her way, my fair maiden, will you now decide
All the way with me to ride, safely I ’ll see you to the fair

Now rogues are going to Horncastle Fair, and the wind blows cold
I’ll trot along, trot along my way, I have always been an honest lass
Stand back sir, and let me pass, safely I’ll ride on to the fair

My dear, my dear, I am an honest man, and the wind blows cold
So trot along, trot along by me, let me ride with you to the fair
Here to you I do declare, from me you shall never come to harm

My love I met at Horncastle Fair, and the wind blew cold
We trotted on, trotted on our way, and it’s then we quickly married were
All through meeting at the fair, now she is my bonny, bonny bride

credits

from Lincs to Land and Sea, released May 22, 2022
Traditional

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about

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Jan and Paul Ramsey Grimsby, UK

Jan and Paul first began singing together when they were students. Jan plays guitar and sings lead vocals, and Paul plays single reed harmonica and vocals. They are renowned for their close harmonies. Over the years they have performed extensively in the UK and overseas. They have held various residencies in UK folk clubs and are currently residents at Grimsby Folk Club. ... more

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