The Horncastle Horse Fair and Livestock Market by Robert Bell

An afternoon talk organised by the SLHA in conjunction with Central Library Lincoln Horncastle Livestock Market was central to the town’s history and to the agricultural economy of its surrounding Wolds and Fens. Established within a tradition dating from the 1230 Market Charter, it developed into an important centre for cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and breeding stock. The Horse Fair in the eighteenth century became the largest of its kind with buyers coming from as far away as Russia and America. George Burrows based his book “Romany Rye” around the journey to the Fair. The market on the Wong brought together farmers, auctioneers, butchers, dealers, drovers and other rural trades, becoming both a commercial and social meeting place. Its auctions, specialist fairs and Christmas Fatstock Show reflected Lincolnshire’s distinctive livestock breeds and farming traditions”. Robert is a sixth-generation Land Agent, Chartered Surveyor and auctioneer, having spent his life at Horncastle after qualifying through Reading University and training in Yorkshire. His great great grandfather came down from Perthshire to be Land Agent on the Revesby Estate. His firm of Robert Bell and Company operates through four offices across mid Lincolnshire. Robert has seen tremendous changes in our work lifestyle and communities during his career, and this talk will record some of those memories.