- GOLDCROFT COMMON -
Twice a year, May 1st and September, fairs were held on the Common.
The May Fair
The May Fair was a pleasure fair with swings, roundabouts and the
galloper horses.
It was the highlight of the year always crowded with people, many
a romance started at the fair, sometimes ending in a happy marriage.
The College held their 'Rag' mid week of the fair in aid of the District
Nursing Association, collecting money from people. Then in the evening
enjoying the fun of the fair teasing the girls with a bag of confetti
piled high bought from Gypsy Lee's stall. One could have a large bagful
for two pennies.
People living on the common complained about the noise of the fairs,
particularly the pleasure fair although it was only held once a year.
They tried to get it moved, but the showmen belong to the Showmen's
Guild, which is a very wealthy guild, and will fight for the showman's
rights. So coupled with the fact that the fair is held on common land
with ancient rights, they failed to get it removed.
Sadly times have changed, World War II put an end to the fun of the
fair. Although it is still held in May, it is not the same. People's
idea of fun has changed, and everything is so costly.
The Horse Fair
The Horse Fair was a big event, the horse trade booming before cars
and tractors took over. It drew crowds from afar with lots of wheeling
and dealing taking place with the "sharks".
Caerleon was said at that time to be the home of the Forty Thieves,
because of the shady dealings, but of course there was a lot of genuine
dealing too.
The real Romany Gypsies always came for the horse dealing. They camped
on the Little Common near the Fish Shop. Their three caravans were
shining and brightly coloured and very clean. The girls were a pleasure
to see, in brightly coloured plaid skirts and jackets, high legged
boots well polished, their long, jet black hair, shining like a crow
hung in plaits down their backs. They obviously took much pride in
themselves.
The horse fair finished about fifty years ago.
