Local Saints, Fair and Markets

Local fairs were generally held in the churchyard and associated with the feast of a saint; and brought gatherings of people from far distances to a holy shrine, giving opportunity for combining business with religious observances . The following are some of the Worcestershire fairs, the dates of the feast,  and some dates when the market was granted:

• Saints Agnes, Evesham. January 20
• Andrew, Droitwich, November 30
• Barnabas, Halesowen, Ombersley 1354, Worcester 1218. June 11
• Bartholomew, Kidderminster, 1228. August 24
• David,    March 1
• Denis, Halesowen, 1220. October 9
• Eadburga, Pershore, 1226 July 7
• James, Staunton, 1347, July 25
• John Baptist, Broadway 1196, Bromsgrove 1317, Feckenham 1237. Aug 29
• Kenelm, Clent 1253, Halesowen 1223  July 17
• Lawrence, Alvechurch, August 10
• Leonard, Elmley Castle 1254, Bewdley 1376. November 6.
• Margaret, Rock 1328, Clifton 1359. July 20.
• Mary Magdalen, Holt, Worcester. July 22.
• Mary (Virgin), Worcester. September 8.
• Matthew, Blockley. September 21.
• Micheal, Blockley, September 29.
• Mark, Worcester.
• Nicholas, Worcester, Droitwich, May 9.
• Paul, Worcester.
• Peter ad Vincula, 1416, June 29.
• Simon, Droitwich, October 28.
• Swithun, Worcester. July 15.
• Thomas's Eve, December 20.
• Thomas Martyr, Droitwich, Tenbury. December 29.
• Thomas (Translation), Bewdley, July 7.
• Virgin (Nativity), Worcester 1223, September 8.

The priviledge of holding a fair could be granted by the King alone. So popular did fairs become that in the period beginning with John, 1199, and ending with Henry lll in 1272, (73 years), no fewer than 4,000 were granted. The ordinary trader did not exist in the village until the 18th century.