Frost Fairs

Frost Fair on the River Thames (1814)

In the twelfth century, when the the winter weather turned frigid, frost fairs would be held on the frozen waters of the Thames River. They would occur approximately once every generation. The first recorded event was in January of 1608 and the last one in 1814. The fairs were crowded with puppet shows, people skating and sledding and booths were set up on the thick ice selling a multitude of wares including coffee, toys, jewelry, gingerbread and gin. One of the hottest selling items was a souvenir card that you could have printed with your name to commemorate the legendary event, Henry the VIII himself was said to have had his name printed on one. 

“Hot Codlins (baked apple), Pancakes, Duck, Goose, and Sack (wine),

Rabit, Capon (rooster), Hen, Turkey, and a wooden Jack (carved toy).

In this same Street before the Temple made,

There seems to be a brisk and lively Trade.

~Verses from a Print of The Frost Fair (1864)