Research

History of Fairgrounds
Wednesday 28th September 2011

 Figure 2: Bartholomew Fair, London, in 1728 Depicted on lady's fan.

A brief history of fair grounds is needed to better understand where The Gallopers came from. The origin of fairs is routed in pre-history. Merriam-Webster defines`Fair’ as `a gathering of buyers and sellers at a stated time and place of trade. A festival and sale of fancy articles, etc...Fairs are recorded as early back as Ancient Greece, they were held at Olympia, Delphi, Nemea and Delos. 


The custom of holding fairs was introduced to northern Europe by the Romans, during Roman occupation of England, many fairs were established. One of very few authoritative works on the subject records fairs at Cornwall, Cambs, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and several places along the line of the roman wall in Northumberland. Fairground numbers also rose by the time of the Saxons and The Normans.


The First industrial revolution inspired an Agricultural revolution, creating trading surplus, this lead to the establishing of pioneer trade routes. Fairs were held on neutral land enabling merchants to move and trade safely.

The History of Gallopers

Tuesday 4th October 2011

Figure 4: Steam Train. Powered by steam engine, Developed by 

James Watts from 1776.

Figure 5: The first telephone designed by Alexander Graham Bell, 1876.

The 19^th Century witnessed new prime movers. First steam then electricity, these introduced new transport in the form of railway and instantaneous communication. There was no limit to the rate of progress. These new miracles of industrial revolution gave to fairgrounds unparalleled Exuberance.

Figure 6: The Mop Fair at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1907.

David Braithwaite wrote `The Joy ride, Vivid Colours, brilliant lights and instant music became all-pervading.’ The harnessing of Steam power and then later electricity gave roundabouts a new importance. They were large overpowering structures often viewed as art forms in their own right. They became a Pivot and focal point of fairgrounds. 

Figure 7:  Dobby set (H. Ayers). Date unknown.

Early horse roundabouts called Dobbies were produced at King’s Lynn in early 1870’s. Gallopers followed on from this thanks to the evolution of the central truck, which was an essential component of travelling roundabouts. 

Figure 8: Roundabout central engine designed by, Fredrick Savage.

Fredrick Savage designed and built the roundabout central engine, the Savages `5 ½’ centre engine was standard for most Gallopers. The engine was situated on the central truck and was mounted longitudinally.

Figure 9: Blueprints for Galloping motion design.

The galloping horses were only possible with a steam-driven spinning frame. The horses where attached to the frame with a pole that ran through to the base of the machine. The horses would be made to gallop using an over head crank system. The single crank action system was designed by Robert Tidman and Sons of Norwich in 1890. This system has survived all others and can be seen today.

Figure 10: Double Crank Galloper at Kings Lynn Mart. 1886.

Four-Abreast machines went into production in 1890, today 70 sets are still in use. Roundabouts remain popular in many cultures. They can be found in France, Holland, Belgium and USA, but all rotate counter-clockwise with the sun. Only on British roundabouts can horses be mounted from the correct side. A tradition which stems from right handed swordsman being able to mount his steed without discomfort.