Bartholomew Fair, 1721

The design of this handcoloured print produced in 1821 is derived from a fan design of the early eighteenth century. It was intended to appeal to an earlier age of London, namely 1721 and was produced for an antiquarian audience interested in the historical manners and customs of London.

The print shows Bartholomew Fair, the most famous fair in London, which was held in Smithfield. The text in the cutaway section of the image gives an historic account of the origins of the Fair, namely a grant by Henry I to a courtier called Rahere in 1133. Since that date the Fair had achieved enormous popularity, shown in this crowded scene with numerous entertainments on offer. The particular date of 1721 may have been chosen because it was a time specially noted for dramatic performances and the famous people who attended them. Here Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole may be the well dressed figure on the right.