Flatford Fayre

We would have it knowne in this, the year of our Lord 1535, that Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk and hys company of fyne Ladies, are on Pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Grace Shrine on Lady Lane Ipswich. The Shrine is second only to the Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham and is renowned for miracles of healing. Thys is a time of the last hurrah for the great Shrines and the Religious Houses.  There hath been wholesale visitations to the Religious Houses in this area and they are knowne to be under grayte threat. 

The Duke is interested in viewing the remains and lands of Dodnash Priory with a view to petitioning for them and, on entering Flatford on route, has come upon the Fayre being held by the common folke at the beauteous Flatford Mill and decided to take his rest and gyve the Ladies some disport.   

The fayre will, as usual take place in the grounds of Valley Farm, over the weeks end of 29^th and 30^th July and ‘tis hoped that there will divers entertainment and displays for young and old alike. Such will include armourer and archery (above the age of twelve summers), table games, and charm and pomander making. The barber surgeon will be present to deal with arrow piercings, broken bones and tooth extractions, whist for those in need of other cures and charms, there will also be the Cunning man and (‘tis hoped) the herbalist. Yaffle the alchemist will be on hand to amaze with his colour magic, and good Angharad will be catering for participants with her pottage, which she will be more than happy to discuss with visitors. 

The event will run from half the hour of ten in the forenoon on both days and will close at half the hour of four in the afternoon. Entrance to the fayre is free but voluntary donations are welcomed either by cash or card, for non-National Trust members there is a charge for the parking of carriages.  

We hope to renew acquaintance with many old friends there and to make some new ones also.