Wickham Horse Fair royal charter 'not lost' if no-one attends cancelled annual fixture

CONCERNS over an historic horse fair losing its royal charter due to being postponed have been dismissed by a council.

By Ben Fishwick

Published 15th May 2020, 10:21 BST

Updated 15th May 2020, 15:43 BST

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Wickham Horse Fair is not going ahead next Wednesday due to coronavirus lockdown, halting a nearly unbroken record in place since 1269.

It takes place on May 20 each year, having only been postponed before due to flu outbreaks, and attracts crowds of more than 1,000 people.

The fair traces its origins back to when Roger De Syres obtained a royal charter from King Henry III to have a weekly market in 1269.

Wickham Horse Fair held at the Square, Wickham, on May 20, 2019. Horse Owners displaying their horses at The Square, Wickham. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Wickham Horse Fair held at the Square, Wickham, on May 20, 2019. Horse Owners displaying their horses at The Square, Wickham. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Now Winchester City Council, which covers the village, has issued a statement reassuring people the charter will not be lost if no-one attends.

A council statement said: ‘Ensuring the health of all members of our community is the highest priority at this time and Winchester City Council and Hampshire Constabulary fully support their decision.

Coronavirus: Wickham Horse Fair cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns

‘We are aware that concern has been expressed that the royal charter for the fair requires that some people must attend every year to preserve the right to hold the annual event and would like to make clear that this is not the city council’s interpretation of the charter rights.

‘Therefore, the right to hold the event in future years will not be affected by its cancellation this year and there is no requirement for anyone to “maintain” the charter.

‘Please do not to come to Wickham on May 20 to attend the event, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, remember - stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.’

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