The annual October Charter Fair returns to the Market Square on October 20th for the 781st time, but is with us for four days this year.

The Charter Fair, one of the oldest in the Country still held in a City Centre, was granted in 1227 to the Bishop of Salisbury by King Henry III.  The Charter granted permission that a Fair will be held on the third Monday of each October for three days.  The same Charter also granted the City permission to hold a Market each Tuesday, which still applies today.

2008 sees the Fair here for an extra day.  Salisbury District Council applied for and granted this as a “Thank you” to the Showmen.  The Council oversees the smooth running of the Fair and has done so since its inception in 1974.  This task will be the responsibility of the new City Council, when it is set up in April next year.

The Fair was originally held in the Cathedral Close, but was also held in Salt Lane during WWII.  It is now held of course in the Market Square and has been for many years.