Mrs Wilson, Yours to hand what are yours [?] for small [?][?] for wife & self. I stayed with you when I was in Dundee with [?]. Hoping you are keeping alright.
I am yours etc. Fred Skinner
This is a superb postcard from the early 20th century showing the Carlisle Fair, which I was minded to post as the resurrected fair is now taking place (renamed the Carlisle Pageant). The city was first granted a Royal Charter to hold a Great Fair in the summer of 1158, when market stallholders set up shop to sell fruit and vegetables, meat, leather, wool and cloth. In 1352 Edward III then granted the city the right to host the fair annually and the tradition has held ever since.
Over the years the fair, or pageant has included, in addition to the market, a procession or re-enactment of historical events, and during the 1970s and 1980s I remember the fantastic procession of floats that made their way from Bitts Park into the town centre. In recent years the fair was scaled down, although an international food fair took its place, with traders selling their wares in the town centre, as they have done for centuries. This year the pageant was reinvigorated with a week long series of events, including a puppet parade and talks and exhibitions in venues across the city.
This postcard shows the Carlisle Fair around 1904 - it may not be the Great Fair itself - and it's a lively scene. This picture was taken on The Sands, and the Turf Tavern can be seen in the background. The detail is tremendous, and whilst there has been a little Edwardian 'photoshopping' going on, you can still make out faces and attractions. I especially like the chap in the bowler hat posing for the photo on the extreme left.
Published by Lochinvar (N & C Series)
Postmarked: Aberdeen 21st September 1904
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