Annual Proclamation of Broughton Fair 2019
On Thursday 1 August 2019, at 12pm, the picturesque village of Broughton in Furness will witness the Annual Proclamation of the Fair.
In their capacity as Lords of the Manor of Broughton, Cumbria County Council continues to re‑enact this centuries old ceremony with traditional pomp and pageantry, including the "quaffing of good ale" and the scattering of pennies to children.
Having assembled in the lounge of The Black Cock at 11.45am, the official party will be led to the Obelisk in the Village Square by the Bailiff, Mr Joss Curwen, carrying the ceremonial halberd.
The proceedings will be introduced from the steps of the Obelisk by Local Councillor Matt Breretonand Councillor Christine Bowditch, Chairman of the County Council, will read the Proclamation to the assembled villagers. The Proclamation will be repeated by Parish Councillor Mrs Elaine Knowles, Chairman of the Parish Council.
After the singing of the National Anthem, and to the delight of the local children, the spectacle will continue with the scattering of new pennies by the Chairman and other members of the official party.
The villagers will then be invited to The Manor Hotel where, in time-honoured fashion, they will receive Fair Cake and ale, after which Councillor Christine Bowditch will propose a toast to "The Queen, Duke of Lancaster".
Councillor Christine Bowditch will round off the proceedings when she signs the Charter, which contains the signatures of every person who has read the Proclamation since Henry Stanley, Lord Strange, 4th Earl of Derby, first proclaimed the Charter in 1593.
