IN Saxon times, a thousand years ago, the manor of Holsworthy was one of the many Port Towns. Each Manor had its Court Leet which was presided over by the Portreeve. He was responsible for collecting tolls and duties paid by traders.
The Port in Portreeve refers to a walled or enclosed town, a place of safe harbourage of goods (not ships as many people think). The word reeve comes from the Saxon 'Gerfa' meaning steward. The powers and duties of the Court Leet have long since ceased but the 'tradition' is still carried on. Every year on the eve of St Peter’s Fair (Tuesday, July 9) the elected Portreeve and his officers hold a court in the Memorial Hall. This is quite an amusing and entertaining evening enjoyed particularly by the locals.
The Portreeve has many officers, Keeper of the Records Town Crier & Beadle Keeper of the Purse Constables Ale Tasters (one of the most sought after appointments!) Reviewer of Encroachments & Nuisances Janitor, Junior Janitor, House Viewer, Pinders, Hayward, Custodian of Weights & Measures and last but not least the Sealer & Searcher of Leather.
The Pretty Maids charity started as a unique gift was contained in the will of a Rev. Thomas Meyrick of Carta Martha, near Launceston, who died on May 27, 1841. He was a brother of the Rev. Owen Meyrick, one time rector of Holsworthy. Under the terms of the will, the income from the legacy is to be paid annually; " to the young single woman resident in Holsworthy, under 30 years of age , who is generally esteemed by the young as: a) The most deserving, b) The most handsome, c) The most noted for her quietness and attendance at church."
The will states that the donations were made to maintain peace on earth and goodwill among men and adds "may this well-meant example lead rulers to see their subjects are better directed and lead by harmless amusement and by judicious reward than by the fear of punishment."
The Pretty Maids' Charity is administered by a sub-committee of Speccott's Charity, which larger committee distributes to the poor, income from other sources. It has been distributed each year since 1841, and the annual presentation is made from the Belfry doorway at 12 noon on the first day of St. Peter's Fair (Wednesday, July 10). The identity of the chosen young lady is kept a close secret until she emerges through the doorway at the first stroke of the church clock, and confronts an ever increasing crowd of people anxious to view this unique ceremony
These traditions are still carried out today. As well as a fun fair, exhibitions and competitions there will be four nights of free live music in the square. The week long festivities start on Saturday, July 6 and finish on Sunday, July 14.
Finally the fair committee would like to say a massive thank you to all our sponsors and the National Lottery who help keep the entertainment during St Peter’s Fair week free for all. With out their support fair week wouldn’t be the same!
Full event listing for the Fair week.
Sunday July 7
9.30am: Sung Eucharist at St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church
11am: Tractor Run
6pm: Civic service at the parish church.
7.30pm: Concert in the Square by Holsworthy Town Band.
Monday, July 8
11am: Exhibition of the history of the fair at Manor Car Park (continues throughout week)
4.30pm: H.A.S.P evening of family fun at Stanhope Park.
Tuesday, July 9
7pm: Meeting of the Court Leet at the Memorial Hall. Followed by procession to the ale houses in the town.
Wednesday, July 10
8am: Proclamation of the opening of the fair at the site of the old great tree of Holsworthy. Followed by a charity breakfast in the memorial hall.
Judging of Holsworthy in Bloom.
10.30am: Sale of fat stock and dairy cattle at the Cattle Market.
12pm: The Pretty Maid ceremony at the church.
12pm: Funfair at Manor Car Park.
1.15pm: St Peter’s Fair Luncheon at the Memorial Hall, tickets £15 from White Hart.
1.30pm: Summer fete at the playground gardens.
6pm: Pretty Maid’s Tea at the Church.
6pm: Live music in the square.
Thursday, July 11
6pm: Funfair at Manor Car Park.
7.30pm: The furry dance at the memorial hall.
8pm: Live music in the square.
Friday, July 12
6pm: Funfair at Manor Car Park
7pm: Treasure Hunt at the Square. Followed by live music.
Saturday, July 13
10am: Coffee and cake morning at Bodmin Street Methodist Church.
1pm: Funfair at Manor Car Park.
7pm: Entertainment at the Square including Goronwy and East 17.
9.45pm: St Peter’s Fair Draw
10.55pm: Firework finale.
Sunday, July 14
11am: Open air service at the Square.
Holsworthy Cricket Club’s six-a-side competition at Holsworthy Park.