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The town fair with rum, milk and street fights

Rachael McMenemy
News imagePA Media A group of men attempt to disarm the halberdiers of their halberds after the reading of the charter, which was granted by King John in 1204 to the people of the town to allow them to hold a market and a fair, as part of the Rowell Fair Proclamation Day.PA Media
Locals get into playful scuffles with halberdiers to disarm them after the proclamation is read

Early morning drinking and playful scuffles brought a market town to a halt for its annual fair on Monday.

The Rowell Fair in Rothwell, Northamptonshire, is believed to date back more than 800 years.

People from across the town take part in the ceremony, which attracts large crowds.

The tradition sees the bailiff to the Lord of the Manor – Frank York – read the proclamation on horseback, surrounded by halberdiers, before visiting historic former coaching inns for a traditional drink of milk and rum.

A halberd is an axe blade mounted on a long pike.

News imageCarroll Weston/BBC The town bailiff on horseback in the street, reading from a book. People holding long blue poles with yellow diamond shaped tips surround him.Carroll Weston/BBC
At 06:00 BST, the bailiff to the Lord of the Manor arrives with a guard of halberdiers, and reads the proclamation, which is followed by the National Anthem
News imagePA Media A close-up of a tray with cups of milk and rum.PA Media
Pubs in the town open at 06:00 serving, among other things, the traditional Rowell Fair beverage of rum and milk, which is offered to the bailiff
News imageCarroll Weston/BBC Men in white T-shirts with the word "halberdier" printed on them in black. They stand around a carriage.Carroll Weston/BBC
Halberdiers walk alongside the bailiff as he makes his way around town
News imageCarroll Weston/BBC A black carriage with red wheels is on the right. On the left is the bailiff on a large brown horse with white feet. He is surrounded by halberdiers – people carrying blue poles.Carroll Weston/BBC
According to the Rowell Fair Society, the event can be traced as far back as 1154, and it was granted a charter by King John 50 years later
News imageCarroll Weston/BBC The bailiff is on horseback holding a brown folder. He is wearing a black jacket and a black top hat. Carroll Weston/BBC
The Rowell Fair Society was formed in 1968 to help keep the tradition going.
News imagePA Media Two men grappling on the ground trying to keep hold of a blue pole.PA Media
Locals attempt to disarm the halberdiers of their halberds
News imagePA Media People watching the event. Some are leaning over iron railings taking pictures on their phones.PA Media
The name Rowell comes from the local pronunciation of the town of Rothwell

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