• History of the Fair on the Yare

    The fair at Claxton was revived in recent years (up to 2018) but its history goes back to the 1340s when William de Kerdiston was lord of the Manor of Claxton. He was granted the right to hold a weekly market each Monday and a fair for five days to commence each year on the eve of St John the Baptist, the day itself (29 August) and on 3 subsequent days.

    This grant of the right to hold a market and fair was a privilege much sought after and reflects the importance of William de Kerdiston at that time. He had apparently been a great warrior and took part in Edward III’s campaign in Flanders. In 1346 he was knighted during the Crecy campaign and later fought the Scots.

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