Listed as one of the best fairs in the UK, by stall holders, the annual Goose Fair in Tavistock dates back to the early 12th Century, when a Michaelmas Fair held every September 29th provided the opportunity for business and animal trading, and was a social event for wives and daughters. The origins of Sandhill House country house retreat and luxury Bed and Breakfast are almost definitely around this time because the first named person recorded living on the site is in 1298. Wouldn't we just love to know what it looked like then?
The name Goose Fair probably came about as farmers brought their geese through the streets to the Pannier Market, ready for fattening for Christmas; the only other Goose Fair (in Nottingham) has a similar connection.
The name Goose Fair probably came about as farmers brought their geese through the streets to the Pannier Market, ready for fattening for Christmas; the only other Goose Fair (in Nottingham) has a similar connection.
When the new calendar was introduced in 1752 the 'loss' of 11 days changed the date of the Michaelmas Fair to October 10th, and now the Fair is held on the second Wednesday in October each year.
Although the practice of driving geese through the streets has virtually stopped, it is still possible to obtain goose lunches at the various restaurants and cafes in the town on that day. The fair attracts market traders and showmen from all over the Country. Stalls and side-shows are set up in the centre of the Town, and the adjacent roads are filled with over 200 traders.
People come from all over the West for the fair, and old and young alike enjoy the atmosphere, especially in the evening when the coloured lights are aglow, and the music coming from the fairgrounds can be heard for miles around, so why not treat yourself to a couple of nights of luxury away to make the most of this vibrant, annual event?
