Spalding Spring Fair 1876

Tuesday 27th April 1876 saw the Spring Fair in Spalding. The area was recovering from several years of rinderpest that devastated local livestock followed by drought. Despite this the following report from the South Holland Magazine was upbeat:

Never since the palmy days prior to that pestilential scourge the cattle plague has there been such an extensive show as our spring fair on Tuesday 27th April. Not only was every space in the sheep market occupied, but the streets adjacent thereto had sheep penned therein, extending nearly as far as the Bourn Road in one direction, and on the Crescent Road in the opposite direction.

Spalding Sheep Market

Fat sheep sold readily, but stores did not so rapidly exchange hands, though a clearance was eventually effected. Mr. James Cook disposed of two pens of prime fat sheep at £5 per head, out of wool.

Mr. John Crawley and Mr. Morley exhibited some very first-class mutton. There was a capital supply of beasts, and although many were exceedingly poor in consequence of the drought of last summer and the scarcity of roots and other keeping during the winter, yet the display of strong beasts in good condition was larger than from the aforesaid causes might reasonably have been expected. There were several lots of prime fat beef, which were readily bought up by the butchers and altogether prices ruled very brisk for all kinds of beasts. Mr. Isaac Cookson of Moulton, sold two fine bullocks at £40 each and Mr. Thos. Boswell exhibited and sold a very handsome steer, just under ten years old supposed to weigh over 70 stones.