Appleby Fair runs for a week in June, ending on the 2nd wednesday in June, in the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria. Bob has always promised to take me and this year he kept his promise.
It is probably the best known of the horse fairs attended by travelling families meeting up with old friends and conducting business. It's world famous, probally the largest of its kind in the world, and attracts a huge gypsy gathering.
It has existed as a fair for horse trading since 1685, under the protection of a charter granted by James II. No doubt it will continue long after you and I are gone.
During the Fair, horses can be found everywhere - in the river, on its banks, along the roadsides or tethered outside hotels and shops.
Young people wash the horses in the River Eden and are then ready to show them off. The tradition of racing and trotting the horses along Flashing Lane takes place throughout the day. The speed of the horses was frightening but their riders/drivers seemed to have them under control.
