Bartholomew Fair, site of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, pictured in 1721. Aquatint with etching after T. Loggon, c. 1824 (?).

London (23, King Street, Covent Garden) : J.F. Setchel, [1824?]

1 print : aquatint with etching

Bartholomew Fair, 1721. This fair was granted by Henry the 1st, to one Rahere, a witty and pleasant gentleman of his court, in aid and for the support of an hospital, priory and church ... Lettering continues: "dedicated to St. Bartholomew, which he built in repentance of his former profligacy and folly. The succeeding priors claimed, by certain charters, to have a fair every year, during three days, viz; on the eve, the day, and on the morrow of St. Bartholomew. At this period the clothiers of England, and drapers of London, kept their booths and standings there, and a court of Piepouder was held daily for the settlement of all debts and contracts. About the year 1721, when the present interesting view of this popular fair was taken, the drama was considered of some importance, and a series of minor although pieces were acted in its various booths. At Lee and Harper's the siege of Berthulia is performing, in which is introduced the tragedy of Holofernis, persons of rank were also its occasional visiters, and the figure on the right is supposed to be that of Sir Robert Walpole, then prime minister. Fawkes, the famous conjuror, forms a conspicuous feature, and is the only portrait of him known to exist. The remaining amusements are not unlike those of our day, except in the articles of Hollands and gin, with which the lower orders were then accustomed to indulge unfettered by licence or excise". Lettering above the stalls includes: "The siege of Gibraltar", "Rope dancing is here", "Judith and Holofernes", "Lee & Harper is here", "Faux's. dexterity of hand", "Faux's famous posture masters", "On the great booth over against the hospital ... ate in Smith pie ... is the famous ... of rope dancers" ...

Wellcome Collection 23495i