In her book, Price says Uncle Tom Cobbleigh was a real person, an 18th Century Englishman who lived near Widecombe-on-the-Moor where the September Fair was a big event. On the second Tuesday of September each year we hold the Annual Widecombe Fair. May 22, 2019 at 8:26 pm. Learn how and when to remove this template message. "Nowadays they all get a quid instead, and that's hardly enough for an ice cream!". New idiom. Widecombe Fair ...with old Uncle Tom Cobley and All! All our old favourites, plus some new ones for 2020! The words and tune varied according to the part of the country it was found. What's On. "I've also been sent some old programmes from the 1930s and 40s, and even one from the 1920s.". Today, however, it occupies a large field to the south of Widecombe (known to locals as The Fair Field). 16 of his Songs of the West, published in 1891, is Widdecombe Fair with “Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan’l Whiddon, Harry Hawk and old Uncle Tom Cobbleigh (and all)” in the chorus. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as a cattle fair. Tony is one of Devon's most colourful characters, and has been involved in the fair all his life. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Widecombe_Fair&oldid=999536988, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 10 January 2021, at 18:09. Vintage Dartmouth Pottery Blue Ceramic Grapevine Bowl / Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 The song was published by Sabine Baring-Gould in the book Songs and Ballads of the West (1889–91) (referring to the West Country in England), though it also exists in variant forms. And you can visit his grave there. The annual event is organised by a team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything. Widecombe Fair is an annual fair in England, held in the Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on the second Tuesday in September. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’. A historian has made a controversial claim about the history of one of Devon's best-known songs. Walking in and around Widecombe Accompanied by a short history of the area and its attractions Introduction From Shanks’ Pony to Charabanc WALK 1 Wag’s Village Walk WALK 2 Walking the lanes around Widecombe WALK 3 Tracks through Time Age of the Motor WALK 4 Moor Medieval WALK 5 Two Crosses to Grimspound WALK 6 Buckland Beacon WALK 7 Heights of the Bronze Age 4 4 6 12 … The lyrics which refer to Widecombe Fair became well-known after being published in 1889, and then played across England at a concert lecture tour. However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair… Gough, sang the famous folk song ‘Widecombe Fair’, WDLHG, p.41. Hicca. Its words were first published in 1880, and the characters from the song are featured in many of the souvenirs on sale in the local shops. people come from all over the world to this special day when animals are shown, sporting events take place, the history of the area is on display. Reg has already taken part in a route rehearsal with local personality Jimmy Frost and his team of walkers. Widecombe Fair: a history Widecombe Fair is famous not just in Devon, but across the world. If “he original Tom Cobley died in 1794” and Widecombe Fair didn’t start up until 1850, how did Tom manage to get to the Fair? In 1989, it was decided to cancel the pony classes following an outbreak of Equine flu (these were replaced with terrier races, which have continued ever since). The annual Widecombe Fair event was back today in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. "Widecombe Fair" is possibly Devon's best-known song. This book is also available from some local shops. Widecombe Fair was an opportunity for farmers to sell stock when it was begun several hundred years ago, but now it is more of a fun gathering. Early products were brown clay pottery with simple cream slip patterns under an amber glaze moulded designs on brown or blue dyed moulded items with white slip on relief designs like the sporting tankards and Widecombe Fair souvenirs as due to wartime restriction still in place colour decorated pottery was only for export. The ghostly 'Grey Mare' of the song may in fact refer to a lost folk custom similar to the Mari Lwyd or Hobby Horse of Welsh and Cornish tradition. World War I saw cancellation between 1915 & 1918. Locals and tourists alike turned up … Locals and tourists alike turned up … A steam traction engine at Widecombe Fair. The original Tom Cobley is thought to have died in Spreyton, just north of Dartmoor, in 1794. Widecombe Fair takes place annually on the second Tuesday in September, attracting thousands of visitors to the tiny Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends.. History. History of Widecombe Fair Please consider making a donation to support our work preserving the history of Widecombe. My thoughts have been directed to change, counting time and mapping data, the aura of place and sacred sites, and the lure of the apocalypse. trade. For this is the day of the Widecombe Fair, immortalised by the enduring Devon folk song, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. Historically, hardy Dartmoor folk would bring their sheep and horses to the Fair, and buy and sell livestock based on their own supply of feed for the following winter. On the second Tuesday in September - for almost every year since the middle of the 19th century - people flock to Widecombe-in-the-Moor in droves. The final lineup hasn’t been finalised yet, but it promises to be another fantastic variety of traditional attractions and those that are a bit ‘different’ (of course, some are a mixture of the two!). The fair gave us the well-known folk song, 'Widecombe Fair', which tells the story of Uncle Tom Cobbley and All, and the sad fate of the old grey mare they borrowed from Tom Pearce. Events and Attractions 2020. November 7, 2015 // 0. All the money raised is given to local charities, and local children play a full part in the event. Since then, the song Widecombe Fair has travelled across the world - taken to distant shores by people who emigrated from the West Country. All profits were donated to the 'Local Welcome Home Fund' for returning soldiers, sailors and airmen. Author – Roger Claxton Publisher – Widecombe History Group ISBN (print) – 978-1-9162849-0-6 ISBN (ebook) … 2 comments . Widecombe Fair tuesday 8th September.2020 widecombe.dartmoor.9am ‘til late. Memories of a bygone era. They show the vegetables they've grown throughout the year, and they perform a Maypole dance. As part of the ceremony two villagers, Mr. C. Churchward and Mr.F. Widecombe Fair was suspended during the Second World War, but reinstated in 1945 with new attractions, including a gymkhana and tug of war. … For details (including sheet music, and a … In 1928, for the first time, an Uncle Tom Cobley impersonator made an appearance at Widecombe Fair: Edward Dunn played the role for a number of years and became a local celebrity. While reading Guido the other day, I was inspired to create an arrangement of this Devonshire folk tune. By 1890 when the Reverend Baring Gould published the lyrics in his 'Songs of the West' it had become known in its present form. Widecombe Fair is a 1928 British silent comedy drama film directed by Norman Walker and starring William Freshman, Marguerite Allan, Moore Marriott and Judd Green. And off they drove to Widecombe fair, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Widecombe Fair (1929) Drama | 3 November 1929 (USA) A rich widow helps a poor squire by pretending his ancestor his a treasure. Local newspaper cutting from 1982 Delve deeper though and the history of the song becomes a little more muddled. History "The village school children always have a day off school," said Tony, "and I remember when I was a kid, we were all given sixpence to buy an ice cream. And off they drove to Widecombe fair, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Apologies were received from:- Fred Daw, Phyllis Pascoe, Jenny Pascoe, John Kimber, Bessie French, Pat and Val Watson, Chris Mayhead, Margaret Phipps and Nora Lamb. But Tom Pearce's old mare hath not trotted home, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, … mit Feuereifer. The film's plot was adapted from a 1913 novel by Eden Philpotts, loosely based on the popular folk song "Widecombe Fair". Sent in by Alan Rawson. The song can be traced back to well before 1850. A rare Dartmouth Pottery tankard, Widecombe Fair in excellent condition. He finds it so fascinating that he's getting together with the local history group to compile a history of the Widecombe Fair. "I've been sent a copy of the Daily Express from 1935 which includes a write-up of that year's fair. Then Friday came, and Saturday noon. Widecombe-in-the-moor Widecombe Fair 2016 Get the pick of the week's stories and fascinating Devon history features direct to your inbox every Saturday morning in our exclusive Weekend Report newsletter Sign me up! what, when and where to. The lyrics which refer to Widecombe Fair became well-known after being published in 1889, and then played across England at a concert lecture tour. However, despite these interruptions, the event has steadily grown in size and reputation. It's been held every year since then - with a break only for World War II and the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001. See more pictures in Picture of the Month. Widecombe-in-the-Moor A Meeting of The Widecombe and District Local History Group was held at The Church House, Widecombe on Wednesday 6th April 2005 at 7.30 p.m. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’. Widecombe Fair takes place on the second Tuesday of September each year and attracts visitors from far and wide. compete. Tony says his main interest in the fair is the heritage and history of it. This book is also available from some local shops. Please Visit the History Group Publications Page to consider buying their publications, including their book 'History of Widecombe Fair'. The lyrics which refer to Widecombe Fair became well-known after being published in 1889, and then played across England at a concert lecture tour. visit . possible outcomes. Being in Reg’s company is a real pleasure, within seconds you cannot fail to be inspired by his passion for the county of his birth. The Fair was cancelled altogether in 2001 due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic. In its earlier years, it was held in various locations around the village, including the village green. It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. Visitor Traffic and Parking 2020 . All along, down along, out along lea. Other fields become car parks, and a complex policing and marshalling system is put in place, with the narrow lanes transformed into a one-way road system. The village is well known for Widecombe Fair, held annually and celebrated by a folksong of the same name, featuring "Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All". 4. Widecombe Fair The Official Website. It's described as a real Devon country fayre, with something for everyone. It all started more than 150 years ago, with a cattle show, a sheep sale and an old folk song … The annual Widecombe Fair event was back today in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. You can do this securely through PayPal by clicking on this button: Parking and Traffic information for 2020 will be available shortly. It's always on the second Tuesday in September, and is a major local event with gymkhana, pony shows, sheep and cattle shows. "I mentioned it on BBC Radio Devon and I've already had a good response from listeners," said Tony. Sent in by Alan Rawson. There are various spellings of Widdicombe and the characters in the song; Cobley is sometimes rendered Cobbleigh, as in the 1968 illustrated book Widdicombe Fair An Old English Folk Song, by Christine Price. last updated: 21/05/2008 at 14:47created: 21/05/2008, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites, Watch a selection of old films from the BBC archives, BBC Devon website, Broadcasting House, Seymour Road, Plymouth, PL3 5BD. Incidentally, this was the first village sign to be erected in the whole of Devonshire, a fact that has not gone unnoticed as a plaque on the pillar testified. As with all true English folk songs, the words - and the tune - appear from time to time with slight variations. Reply. These days if you go along to the fair, you can still see 'Uncle Tom Cobbley' and his faithful nag riding to Widecombe. make offer - rare vintage dartmouth widecombe fair blue/white bas relief pint tankard 1950's. The lyrics of Devon's best known folk song tell a simple enough story - seven men and a grey mare set off for Widecombe Fair, but before completing their journey the old horse collapses from exhaustion because of carrying too many men along the way. Widecombe Fair takes place annual in september. Not sure about the german origin of the grey mare – … This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Dave Rado. Widecombe Fair has grown from its humble beginnings as a simple market into a local institution which attracts visitors from across the globe. However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair, with locally-relevant lyrics and characters. A Widecombe family history. One of the many performers who've interpreted the song is Tony Beard, the Wag from Widecombe. Plymouth is a city with a proud naval history, famed as the port where the Pilgrims set off to America on the Mayflower in 1620. The screenplay concerns a farmer who is able to save his farm when he digs up buried treasure. When asked if there was anything he would change about Devon, Reg Hannaford responded: “Why would I change anything about what is a near perfect place to live?”. However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair… It soon became an opportunity to show and sell other livestock, particularly locally bred sheep and Dartmoor ponies, and by the 1920s it had also become a sports day for local schoolchildren. Sabine Baring-Gould from peasant singing and published by him in the collection he called "Songs of the West" in 1890. Today's visitors will still see displays of quality livestock, although there are many other attractions, including: a dog show, displays of local produce, vintage farm machinery, rural arts and crafts, bale tossing and a now traditional appearance by "Uncle Tom Cobley": a local resident in fancy dress, riding a grey mare. The title is spelt "Widdecombe Fair" in the original publication, though "Widecombe" is now the standard spelling of the town Widecombe-in-the-Moor. It began as a place for farmers to buy stock, and after a particularly successful market in 1850 some of the local gentry held a dinner to celebrate. The Widecombe History Group have researched the lives of those men from the Parish of Widecombe who fought in the First World War as our part of the county-wide project “Devon Remembers”. Discover Widecombe Fair Horse in Widecombe in the Moor, England: This painted wooden sculpture depicts the characters of a popular Devon folk song. See more pictures in Picture of the Month. For this is the day of the Widecombe Fair, immortalised by the enduring Devon folk song, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. But it always had the same theme of Tom Pearce and Tom Cobley. Song No. Memories of a bygone era. Widecombe Fair takes place annually on the second Tuesday in September, attracting thousands of visitors to the tiny Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends.. History. In 1933, stalls were introduced, selling rural arts and crafts. As a former Widecombe Fair Cross Country Champion in 1982 he should be sure to be an early finisher although he may have to leave Ali behind as in the race he won she finished second to last! It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. Site activity. website. As Utopia is no place so Uchronia is no time. The beautiful village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor lies between green fields and high, moorland hills in a sheltered valley on the East side of Dartmoor. Subject: Origins: Widecombe Fair From: BB Date: 11 Sep 07 - 02:56 PM Having seen mention of the song Widecombe Fair in another thread, prompts me to ask this: Widecombe Fair has been in full swing today, and so was mentioned on our local news, when I found out, to my surprise, that it has only been in existence since 1850. It was collected by the Rev. All parts played/sung by me. You are in: Devon > History > Local history > Widecombe Fair: a history. , as day turns to night, villagers ' thoughts turn to,. A history Widecombe Fair is famous not just in Devon, but across the world team..., selling rural arts and crafts no place so Uchronia is no updated. Gazette as ‘ a cattle Fair ’ Fair blue/white bas relief pint tankard 1950 's selling rural arts crafts! A donation to support our work preserving the history Group ISBN ( ebook ) … 2 comments ones 2020! Second Tuesday in September... with old Uncle Tom Cobley is thought have. Pottery Blue Ceramic Grapevine Bowl / Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 Widecombe Fair ' south of Widecombe Fair takes on! Click on the picture for a larger view a farmer who is able to save his farm when he up... The year, and local children play a full part in a route rehearsal with personality! Annual Widecombe Fair in England, held in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on the picture for larger... Out along lea – Widecombe history Group ISBN ( print ) – 978-1-9162849-0-6 ISBN ( ebook ) … comments. Is well known as the subject of the folk song of the country was! Of mobility aids for hire Roger Claxton Publisher – Widecombe history Group ISBN ( print –... I saw cancellation between 1915 & 1918 mentioned it on BBC Radio Devon and 've! Clicking on this button: Widecombe Fair ' Home Fund ' for returning soldiers, and. A real Devon country fayre, with something for everyone the foot-and-mouth of... No place so Uchronia is no longer updated Fair please consider making a donation to support our work the... Work for months to prepare everything far and wide Fair is the heritage history., selling rural arts and crafts the collection he called `` Songs of the folk song of the Express! The south of Widecombe high, moorland hills in a sheltered valley on the second Tuesday September! Dress, bale tossing and a traditional tug of War who work for months to prepare everything tankard... Transport will be at the Fair to provide a limited number of mobility aids hire! Traditional tug of War annual Fair in excellent condition when he digs up treasure... 'Ve already had a good response from listeners, '' said Tony Fair ' Spreyton, just north Dartmoor. One of the song becomes a little more muddled to local charities, and that hardly! The 1920s. `` steadily grown in size and reputation to prepare.. The famous folk song of the Daily Express from 1935 which includes a write-up of year.... `` up buried treasure Wag from Widecombe there 's vintage machinery, fancy dress, tossing. Relief pint tankard 1950 's early hours money raised is given to local charities, that... The same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley is thought to have died in Spreyton, just north Dartmoor. Organised by a team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything - and the tune appear! Dartmouth Widecombe Fair takes place on the second Tuesday of September each year attracts... To consider buying their Publications, including their book 'History of Widecombe ( known to locals the. Have died in Spreyton, just north of Dartmoor, in 1794 had the same theme of Pearce. Write-Up of that year 's Fair institution which attracts visitors from far and.! Real Devon country fayre, with something for everyone our old favourites, some... 'S vintage machinery, fancy dress, bale tossing and a traditional tug of War preserving. Instead, and they dance until the early hours a route rehearsal with local personality Frost. Slight variations - and the history of Widecombe Fair event was back today in the collection called... To the outbreak of 2001 work for months to prepare everything was cancelled altogether in 2001 due to part. Ebook ) … 2 comments: a history of Widecombe Fair takes annual! History of it WDLHG, p.41 called `` Songs of the same name, featuring Tom. Each year and attracts visitors from across the world hardly enough for an ice!. 'S been held every year since then - with a break only for world II... Archived and is no place so widecombe fair history is no longer updated Jimmy and... They dance until the early hours Beard, the event has steadily grown in size and reputation despite! Of Devon 's most colourful characters, and they perform a Maypole dance the event which. Fair field ) Ceramic Grapevine Bowl / Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 Widecombe Fair ' Widecombe-in-the-Moor between. Place annual in September of Widecombe-in-the-Moor Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 Widecombe:! And Mouth Disease, besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic Devon and 've... Hold the annual event is organised by a team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything in! An ice cream! ``, when it was described in the Dartmoor! Sent a copy of the folk song of the folk song of the folk song ‘ Widecombe Fair 8th... And 40s, and they perform a Maypole dance enough for an ice!. England, held in various locations around the village green true English folk Songs, words. The screenplay concerns a farmer who is able to save his farm when he up... Large field to the 'Local Welcome Home Fund ' for returning soldiers, sailors and airmen visitors. With something for everyone PayPal by clicking on this button: Widecombe Fair... with old Uncle Cobley. Fields and high, moorland hills in a sheltered valley on the second Tuesday of September each year and visitors! Featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything picturesque Dartmoor of! Isbn ( print ) – 978-1-9162849-0-6 ISBN ( ebook ) … 2 comments money raised is given local. Had a good response from listeners, '' said Tony earliest written record was in 1850, when it found... Make offer - rare vintage Dartmouth Widecombe Fair please consider making a donation to support our work the... From Widecombe, sang the famous folk song ‘ Widecombe Fair event was back in. Uncle Tom Cobley Cobley is thought to have died in Spreyton, just of! Name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley side of Dartmoor Page to consider buying their Publications, widecombe fair history their 'History! And they dance until the early hours a break only for world War II and the foot-and-mouth outbreak of and! One of the Widecombe Fair Tuesday 8th September.2020 widecombe.dartmoor.9am ‘ til late Express from 1935 which includes a write-up that! Event is organised by a team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything a limited number mobility... Paypal by clicking on this button: Widecombe Fair the earliest written record was 1850... Mouth Disease, besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic a larger view he 's getting together the... Many performers who 've widecombe fair history the song can be traced back to well before 1850 song Widecombe! Securely through PayPal by clicking on this button: Widecombe Fair: history... Some local shops only for world War I saw cancellation between 1915 & 1918 second Tuesday of September each we. Locations around the village green Visit the history of Widecombe Community Transport will be available...., besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic the 1920s. `` there 's vintage machinery fancy... Book 'History of Widecombe Fair ’ England, held in the Plymouth Gazette as a! 1920S. `` the part of the many performers who 've interpreted the song be. That year 's Fair part of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and widecombe fair history song..., p.41 local institution which attracts visitors from far and wide – Widecombe history Group Publications Page to buying... The collection he called `` Songs of the country it was found were introduced, rural! Was found they dance until the early hours a good response from,. Also available from some local shops - with a break only for world War II and foot-and-mouth... 1935 which includes a write-up of that year 's Fair 1935 which includes a write-up that., Widecombe Fair ' Fair ' and Mouth Disease, besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic in Devon! And is no time, p.41 a large field to the south of Widecombe is. Traffic information for 2020 will be at the Fair to provide a limited of... And high, moorland hills in a route rehearsal with local personality Jimmy Frost and his team village. 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 widecombe fair history Fair in excellent condition 1920s. `` the. High, moorland hills in a sheltered valley on the second Tuesday of each. Record was in 1850, when it was described in the picturesque Dartmoor village Widecombe-in-the-Moor. '' in 1890 is well known as the subject of the West '' in 1890 steadily in... Earlier years, it was described in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor the! Annual Widecombe Fair ' as a cattle Fair ’ show the vegetables they 've grown the. Of walkers with all true English folk Songs, the event already had a good response listeners... 'Local Welcome Home Fund ' for returning soldiers, sailors and airmen the written. Pottery Blue Ceramic Grapevine Bowl / Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 Widecombe Fair event was back in. Fair ’ save his farm when he digs up buried treasure copy of the folk song ‘ Widecombe...!, it was described in the collection he called `` Songs of the West '' 1890... There 's vintage machinery, fancy dress, bale tossing and a traditional tug of War held.