Sept 1st 1925~ Pontefract Fair 1181 The Feast of St Giles

Baron Henry de Lacy, the 4th Lord of Pontefract, petitioned King Henry II for a license to hold a six-day market and fair at Pontefract starting on the feast day of St Giles, September 1st, 1181. Henry was as good at negotiating as he was with a sword. He believed there had to be a better way to grow wealth than just taking it from someone else. Until that time, wealth only came through plunder or taxation. Both of which destroyed the commoner. One or even two-day fairs had become familiar, but Henry de Lacy was thinking much more significantly; holding a fair or market was not unknown even in 1171. Most were held for one day or, in major towns such as York, occasionally for two days. They were relatively local events.
The 1st Pontefract Fair was to take place over six days. Properly planned, the fair would bring significant money to the honour of Pontefract by granting licenses and concessions to the Lord of Pontefract. Proclamations were sent to all parts of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire. Henry de Lacy promised sporting contests to the men. Best Archer, Champion Wrestler, etc. Cookery and winemaking competitions for women. For those with reading and writing abilities, there would be the opportunity to be shown how to better themselves in trade and income. The Baron would present prizes to all the winners. Livestock sales would also take place. There would be the opportunity to trade and barter. Henry himself would offer auction licenses within the honour to purchase mining rights in named plots. The honour of Pontefract lay within a mineral-rich area