The fairground industry in the UK boasts a rich and ancient history, deeply embedded in tradition. The term ‘fair’ originates from the Latin word ‘feria,’ signifying a holiday. While the Romans were once credited with introducing fairs, current understanding suggests that they evolved from the pagan customs of the land’s earliest inhabitants. These seasonal gatherings served dual purposes: trade and festivity, containing the essential elements of what we now recognize as a fair. The Romans significantly contributed to the development of fairs by enhancing trade and communication networks throughout the country.
In the centuries following the Roman departure, numerous fairs and festivals were integrated into the growing Christian Church’s calendar. Royal charters granted legal status to these fairs, elevating their importance in the nation’s economic landscape. Merchants and traders from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond flocked to the great chartered fairs of the Middle Ages, bringing with them a diverse array of goods. The sheer volume of these fairs—at least 4,860 were chartered between 1200 and 1400—attracted not only merchants but also entertainers such as jugglers, musicians, and acrobats, who are considered the ancestors of today’s showmen.
The Black Death of 1348-49 spurred the emergence of a new type of fair. To combat rising wages caused by a labor shortage, Edward III introduced the Statute of Labourers. This legislation mandated that all able-bodied men present themselves annually at hiring fairs to be employed at a fixed wage. These hiring fairs were predominantly held around Michaelmas, marking the end of the agricultural year.
By the early 18th century, the trading aspects of chartered fairs had diminished, with most fairs consisting primarily of amusements. Acrobats, illusionists, and theatrical companies all plied their trade on the fairgrounds. It was around this time that the first fairground rides began to emerge. These early rides were small, crudely constructed from wood, and powered by groups of boys.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1868 when Frederick Savage, a skilled agricultural engineer from Kings Lynn, developed a method for driving rides using steam power. His invention, a steam engine positioned at the center of the ride, revolutionized the fairground industry. No longer constrained by muscle power, rides could be built larger, more elaborate, and more heavily ornamented. Savage and other engineers consistently met the showmen’s demand for novelty with ingenuity.
The steam revolution ushered in an impressive variety of new ride designs. These rides served as the precursors to today’s thrilling attractions. Over time, innovations such as electric lighting, electric motors, and hydraulics have allowed rides to evolve into the remarkable devices that can be seen at any modern fairground.