What's On. These days if you go along to the fair, you can still see 'Uncle Tom Cobbley' and his faithful nag riding to Widecombe. History The title is spelt "Widdecombe Fair" in the original publication, though "Widecombe" is now the standard spelling of the town Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Widecombe Fair ...with old Uncle Tom Cobley and All! And you can visit his grave there. New idiom. Widecombe Fair takes place annual in september. 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. 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 … You are in: Devon > History > Local history > Widecombe Fair: a history. 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. Since then, the song Widecombe Fair has travelled across the world - taken to distant shores by people who emigrated from the West Country. Author – Roger Claxton Publisher – Widecombe History Group ISBN (print) – 978-1-9162849-0-6 ISBN (ebook) … 2 comments . One of the many performers who've interpreted the song is Tony Beard, the Wag from Widecombe. April 30, 2020 at 8:35 am. However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair… 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. "I mentioned it on BBC Radio Devon and I've already had a good response from listeners," said Tony. 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. Widecombe Fair was suspended during the Second World War, but reinstated in 1945 with new attractions, including a gymkhana and tug of war. See more pictures in Picture of the Month. We visited the fair a couple of years ago.The fair is in the tiny village of Widecombe (pronounced widdecomb) in … 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 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!). Delve deeper though and the history of the song becomes a little more muddled. Events and Attractions 2020. It all started more than 150 years ago, with a cattle show, a sheep sale and an old folk song - telling the story of Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. For this is the day of the Widecombe Fair, immortalised by the enduring Devon folk song, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. "Widecombe Fair" is possibly Devon's best-known song. 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. 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? The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’. The film's plot was adapted from a 1913 novel by Eden Philpotts, loosely based on the popular folk song "Widecombe Fair". Discover Widecombe Fair Horse in Widecombe in the Moor, England: This painted wooden sculpture depicts the characters of a popular Devon folk song. 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. Reg has already taken part in a route rehearsal with local personality Jimmy Frost and his team of walkers. 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?”. A rare Dartmouth Pottery tankard, Widecombe Fair in excellent condition. All our old favourites, plus some new ones for 2020! Please Visit the History Group Publications Page to consider buying their publications, including their book 'History of Widecombe Fair'. Widecombe Fair is an annual fair in England, held in the Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on the second Tuesday in September. For details (including sheet music, and a … He finds it so fascinating that he's getting together with the local history group to compile a history of the Widecombe Fair. trade. Memories of a bygone era. 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. "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. 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. 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. Then, as day turns to night, villagers' thoughts turn to music, and they dance until the early hours. Widecombe Fair tuesday 8th September.2020 widecombe.dartmoor.9am ‘til late. All parts played/sung by me. The Fair was cancelled altogether in 2001 due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, besides 2020 on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic. Widecombe Fair takes place on the second Tuesday of September each year and attracts visitors from far and wide. History of Widecombe Fair Please consider making a donation to support our work preserving the history of Widecombe. This book is also available from some local shops. Widecombe Fair The Official Website. You can click on the picture for a larger view. The annual Widecombe Fair event was back today in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. 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. Reply. 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. Widecombe Fair is famous not just in Devon, but across the world. It was collected by the Rev. Archives for posts with tag: Widecombe Fair. Hicca. 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. Tony is one of Devon's most colourful characters, and has been involved in the fair all his life. visit . mit Feuereifer. During the break forced on Widecombe by the war, farmers found other places to buy and sell their animals, so the fair became more of a show than a market. website. 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. In its earlier years, it was held in various locations around the village, including the village green. But Tom Pearce's old mare hath not trotted home, With Bill Brewer, Jan Stewer, Peter Gurney, Peter Davy, Dan'l Whiddon, Harry Hawke, … They show the vegetables they've grown throughout the year, and they perform a Maypole dance. 4. Widecombe Fair: a history Widecombe Fair is famous not just in Devon, but across the world. It's always on the second Tuesday in September, and is a major local event with gymkhana, pony shows, sheep and cattle shows. A steam traction engine at Widecombe Fair. 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. 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). 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 earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as a cattle fair. 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. Locals and tourists alike turned up … 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. Learn how and when to remove this template message. 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. See more pictures in Picture of the Month. It's been held every year since then - with a break only for World War II and the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001. Sent in by Alan Rawson. Not sure about the german origin of the grey mare – … As Utopia is no place so Uchronia is no time. 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! Widecombe Fair (1929) Drama | 3 November 1929 (USA) A rich widow helps a poor squire by pretending his ancestor his a treasure. … Today, however, it occupies a large field to the south of Widecombe (known to locals as The Fair Field). Local newspaper cutting from 1982 Gough, sang the famous folk song ‘Widecombe Fair’, WDLHG, p.41. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. 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. As part of the ceremony two villagers, Mr. C. Churchward and Mr.F. The screenplay concerns a farmer who is able to save his farm when he digs up buried treasure. There's vintage machinery, fancy dress, bale tossing and a traditional tug of war. It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. The words and tune varied according to the part of the country it was found. But it always had the same theme of Tom Pearce and Tom Cobley. Song No. 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. 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. Please Visit the History Group Publications Page to consider buying their publications, including their book 'History of Widecombe Fair'. 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. 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. Locals and tourists alike turned up … 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. Widecombe Fair is an annual fair in England, held in the Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor on the second Tuesday in September. make offer - rare vintage dartmouth widecombe fair blue/white bas relief pint tankard 1950's. It all started more than 150 years ago, with a cattle show, a sheep sale and an old folk song … "I've also been sent some old programmes from the 1930s and 40s, and even one from the 1920s.". 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. 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. 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. 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. "Nowadays they all get a quid instead, and that's hardly enough for an ice cream!". You can click on the picture for a larger view. Site activity. Vintage Dartmouth Pottery Blue Ceramic Grapevine Bowl / Vase 240 Pedestal Base £11.50 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. The annual event is organised by a team of village residents who work for months to prepare everything. However, Dr Gray suggests that a vast array of towns and villages, mostly in the South West, had their own version of Widecombe Fair… 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. While reading Guido the other day, I was inspired to create an arrangement of this Devonshire folk tune. The earliest written record was in 1850, when it was described in the Plymouth Gazette as ‘a cattle fair’. Then Friday came, and Saturday noon. 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". In 1933, stalls were introduced, selling rural arts and crafts. Sent in by Alan Rawson. 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. Visitor Traffic and Parking 2020 . Mobility Aids at the Fair. 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! This book is also available from some local shops. World War I saw cancellation between 1915 & 1918. 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. 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. All along, down along, out along lea. possible outcomes. All profits were donated to the 'Local Welcome Home Fund' for returning soldiers, sailors and airmen. 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: Tony says his main interest in the fair is the heritage and history of it. Widecombe-in-the-moor Memories of a bygone era. 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. Newton Abbot Community Transport will be at the Fair to provide a limited number of mobility aids for hire. 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. 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”. As with all true English folk songs, the words - and the tune - appear from time to time with slight variations. ... Read about music throughout history Read. By 1890 when the Reverend Baring Gould published the lyrics in his 'Songs of the West' it had become known in its present form. All the money raised is given to local charities, and local children play a full part in the event. The following Saturday the same paper reported that “A cattle fair was held at Widecombe-in-the-Moor for the first time on Tuesday last.” It was said to have been a busy affair with a large attendance of yeomen and gentlemen of the district where 736 sheep, 1,507 cattle, and … 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. The original Tom Cobley is thought to have died in Spreyton, just north of Dartmoor, in 1794. Sabine Baring-Gould from peasant singing and published by him in the collection he called "Songs of the West" in 1890. The song can be traced back to well before 1850. November 7, 2015 // 0. For this is the day of the Widecombe Fair, immortalised by the enduring Devon folk song, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. On the second Tuesday of September each year we hold the Annual Widecombe Fair. However, despite these interruptions, the event has steadily grown in size and reputation. A Widecombe family history. Parking and Traffic information for 2020 will be available shortly. what, when and where to. A historian has made a controversial claim about the history of one of Devon's best-known songs. May 22, 2019 at 8:26 pm. It is well known as the subject of the folk song of the same name, featuring Uncle Tom Cobley and his friends. It's described as a real Devon country fayre, with something for everyone. compete. "I've been sent a copy of the Daily Express from 1935 which includes a write-up of that year's fair. 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. 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