Camberwell Fair is back on 31st August 2019

Camberwell Fair returns for the fifth time (in its modern incarnation) on the 31st August from 12–9pm, on Camberwell Green. Can’t find any details, but expect the usual food, drink, crafts, and music. You can find more information on Facebook (if you use it).

As mentioned, this is the revival of the fair which previously ran from 1279–1855 until it was shut down by the authorities for ‘immoral and riotous behaviour’ (which you can still find on the Green in a more limited fashion).

For these three days the residents of Camberwell were compelled to witness disgusting and demoralizing scenes in which they were powerless to prevent.

Last year’s fair had some great information about the history of Camberwell and the fair (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund) printed up on banners which are still hanging on the Green, but they’ve also passed them to me to make available online.

There are eight PDF documents: The History of Camberwell and it’s Fair; Origins of Camberwell Fair; Camberwell Fair: A History; The Faces of Camberwell; Camberwell Through the Ages; School Education in Camberwell; Rich Pickings for Pickpockets; and What Led to the Abolition of Camberwell Fair in 1855?

They’re well worth some of your time to read.

Author: Peter

Long-time resident of Camberwell, author of this blog since July 2004.