PEOPLE came from far and wide — even as far as Perth in Australia — to witness first-hand the tradition steeped St Peter’s Fair week.

The fair, which this year took place between July 7 and 15, was founded under the patronage of the church of St Peter and St Paul in the late 13th century.

The annual event usually takes place during the first week in July and is one of the most popular events in the area.

Following the industrial revolution, the church’s influence on secular life began to diminish, however St Peter’s Fair originated from the rector Thomas Meyrick, of Carta Martha, near Launceston, who in 1841 proclaimed the choosing of the first ‘Fair Queen’ in his will — making St Peter’s Fair unlike any other.

Rev Meyrick, who died on May 27, 1841, was the brother of the Rev Owen Meyrick, one time rector of Holsworthy.

Under the terms of the will, the income from his legacy is to be paid annually to a single woman under the age of 30, who is a resident in Holsworthy and is most noted for her looks, quietness and attendance of church.

The choosing of the Fair queen, known as the Pretty Maid, continues to take place on the Wednesday of Fair week at the stroke of noon.

The morning of Fair day, Wednesday, July 11, began at 8am with the proclamation of the opening of the Fair given by the town crier Roger Dunstan on the site of the Old Great Tree of Holsworthy, followed by the annual bread weighing ceremony — these traditions are still upheld in the town and provide a connection to Holsworthy’s past.

See this week’s Post to find out about all of the events and goings on, including the new Portreeve, Robert Painter.