Stourbridge Medieval Fair returns to Cambridge’s Leper Chapel

Cambridge’s Leper Chapel will be the site of the Stourbridge Medieval Fair reenactment, which brings visitors in touch with 900 years of history.

The fair is returning on Saturday, 7 September at the chapel in Barnwell and will offer puppet shows, storytelling, dancing, history talks, stalls and a choir.

It’s also a rare chance to see inside the Leper Chapel, one of Cambridge’s oldest complete buildings, which is usually closed.

Jess Norris, who is organising the fair this year with Cambridge Past, Present & Future, said: “The event helps people connect with 900 years of fascinating history while embracing the modern world. There wasn’t ice-cream in the 13th century!

“The event also serves as a celebration of local culture and creativity, offering a unique opportunity for people of all ages to have fun and immerse themselves in the history and traditions of the fair.”

Opened by the mayor of Cambridge, activities will kick off at noon, with a traditional proclamation given by the proctor of the University of Cambridge. The ‘Cry’ set out the rules for the fair, including how beer could be sold, fines for mis-selling and banning bad behaviour.

Stourbridge Fair was granted permission by King John and was first held in 1211 to raise money to support the hospital caring for the city’s lepers. It grew to become the largest medieval fair in Europe. Organisation of the fair was a complex matter and, at its height, it became a small town. Layout of the fair became fixed enough for street-names to be used. Some are still with us: Garlic Row, Oyster Row and Mercer’s Row.

When the leper colony closed in the late-thirteenth century, the fair was handed over to the town, and by 1589 it had grown to become a five-week event. Stourbridge Fair continued until 1933 and was then revived in 2004 as a re-enactment by local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future, which owns and cares for the Leper Chapel.

The fair is a free community event with dancers, musicians and storytellers set to keep visitors entertained. There will be stalls, refreshements, activities and history talks and the university proctor and constables will be there to keep order.

After the proclamation, there is a chance to hear medieval choir Evovae perform. There will also be storytelling for all ages, a history talk by Honor Ridout, and The Play of Robin Hood, a puppet show by Quentin Robinson.

There will be a traditional fair dance on the lawn at 1.30pm, followed by a talk titled ‘Medieval Medicinal Plants’, by Gwenda Kidd.

The chapel is located next to Newmarket Road in Cambridge, close to Cambridge United football stadium and, although there is no parking on-site, there is on-street parking nearby.

Stourbridge Fair runs from 12pm to 4.30pm and is free to enter.