Widecombe Fair
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Widecombe Fair
Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. Date: circa 1910
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14346872
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Peter & Dawn Cope Collection
EDITORS COMMENTS
Widecombe Fair: A Time-Honored Tradition Circa 1910 This evocative photograph captures the spirit of Widecombe Fair, an annual event steeped in history and tradition that has taken place in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, England, since the Middle Ages. The image, taken circa 1910, transports us back in time, inviting us to experience the sights, sounds, and camaraderie of this age-old gathering. The central focus of the photograph is a group of fairgoers, dressed in their Sunday best, gathered around a barrel organ. The organ player, with a mischievous grin, strikes a pose as he entertains the crowd with a lively tune, likely Old Uncle Tom Cobley, a traditional folk song popular in Devon and Cornwall. The song's lyrics tell the story of a group of men who set out to Widecombe Fair to court the fair maids, and the image perfectly encapsulates the essence of the song's carefree and romantic spirit. Surrounding the group, we see a bustling scene of activity. Horses and carts line the fairground, their drivers and passengers engaged in animated conversation or haggling over goods. Children play and laugh, their faces painted with bright colors. Stalls selling food, trinkets, and other wares fill the background, their proprietors eager to make a sale. Despite the passage of time, Widecombe Fair remains a cherished tradition, attracting visitors from near and far who seek to experience the magic and nostalgia of this unique event. This photograph serves as a testament to the enduring power of community, tradition, and the simple joys of country life.
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