The fascinating story of the Bartholomew Fair
For more than 700 years, Bartholomew Fair was one of London's most famous and colourful events. Established in 1133, when King Henry I granted a charter to Rahere, founder of the Priory and Hospital of St Bartholomew, the Fair began as a modest trading event in Smithfield and grew into one of the most important annual gatherings in England.
What started as a cloth market soon evolved into something much bigger. Merchants travelled from across the country to trade goods, while performers, musicians, acrobats, storytellers, entertainers and food sellers drew huge crowds. At its height, Bartholomew Fair attracted visitors from all walks of life and became a defining feature of London's cultural calendar.
Over the centuries, the Fair spread beyond the precincts of St Bartholomew's Priory across Smithfield and the surrounding streets. It inspired artists, writers and playwrights, including Ben Jonson, Samuel Pepys and William Wordsworth, who captured its energy, spectacle and occasional chaos.
By the nineteenth century, changing attitudes and concerns about public order led to increasing restrictions, and in 1855 the City authorities finally brought the historic Fair to an end. After more than seven centuries, one of London's oldest traditions disappeared from the streets of Smithfield.
Bringing the Fair Back
Nearly 170 years later, the spirit of Bartholomew Fair returned to the City.
In 2023, as part of the celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of St Bartholomew's Hospital and Priory, a contemporary revival of the Fair took place across the Square Mile. The programme featured free performances, installations, theatre, music, circus, art and community events, reimagining the creativity and spectacle that made the original Fair so popular.
The success of these celebrations demonstrated that the values at the heart of Bartholomew Fair remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago: bringing people together, celebrating local culture, supporting trade and showcasing creativity in public spaces.
Building on that momentum, Bartholomew Fayre has continued to evolve as a modern community festival rooted in the history of Smithfield and Clerkenwell while reflecting the diversity, creativity and character of the area today.
Bartholomew Fayre Today
Today’s Bartholomew Fayre is a free festival that celebrates the people, places and stories that make this part of London unique.
Taking place this year in the historic surroundings of Charterhouse Square, the Fayre celebrates the unique heritage, culture and community of Smithfield, Clerkenwell and the surrounding areas. Located at the heart of medieval London and only a short walk from the original site of Bartholomew Fair, the historic Charterhouse Square provides a fitting setting for a reimagining of one of the Capital's oldest traditions.
Bartholomew Fayre is proudly supported by Islington Council, helping to ensure the event remains free and accessible to all. The festival is designed not only to celebrate local history and culture, but also to create opportunities for local people and businesses. We aim for more than 70% of suppliers, performers, traders and paid opportunities associated with the event are delivered by people who live or work in Islington and neighbouring boroughs, ensuring the benefits of the Fayre are felt within the local community.
While the format may have changed since 1133, the idea remains the same: a chance for people to come together, explore their local area, celebrate its heritage and create new memories.