Rowell Fair Proclamation Day – Here’s what to expect as ancient tradition returns for 2026
The Rowell Fair Proclamation Day returns on Monday, June 1, for a morning of rum, milk, street scuffles (seriously), and community spirit.
Rowell Fair Proclamation Day returns on Monday, June 1 for what is one of Northamptonshire’s proudest, and most obscure ancient traditions.
In front of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rothwell, the proclamation will be read, beginning a morning of community spirit, albeit in a somewhat obscure way featuring national anthem singing, a long procession through the town, and more.
Rowell Fair is a Royal Charter Fair in Rothwell, which began in 1204. It is opened when the Bailiff to the Lord of the Manor takes an early morning ride to read 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.
While the fair began yesterday (May 30) with fairground rides, a classic vehicle display, and other entertainment, the main event is the proclamation on Monday.
The charter proclamation will be read at 6am in front of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rothwell, always taking place on the first Monday after Trinity Sunday – a week after Whitsun or Pentecost.
As part of the celebration, people will toast the monarch with rum and milk after the charter is read outside hostelries during a procession in the town and at sites of former pubs.
Once rum and milk is drank, a whistle will blow and brave people of Rothwell will attempt to disarm the halberdiers of their halberds, usually resulting in a skirmish in the town centre where people are often left with injuries, be them physical, or leaving the town centre with their pride thoroughly bruised.
God save the King and the Lord of the Manor, indeed.
More information about this year’s Rowell Fair can be found here.