KINGSTEIGNTON RAM ROASTING FAIR Illustrated by Richard Harris |
In 2005, we published an extract from the Exeter Gazette which described the Kingsteignton Ram Roasting Fair in 1885.
From his personal collection of Kingsteignton photographs, Richard Harris has sent us three pictures to publish, giving us a flavour, if not of the actual mutton, at least of the occasion itself. The Fair is still as popular as ever and, in 2010, took place at the end of May complete with traditional attractions including a Maypole Dance. |
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The cart bearing the ram on its way to the site of the roasting ceremony c. 1910 ©Richard Harris |
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The Maypole Dance Properly executed, it all looks very simple but plaiting and then unplaiting the colourful ribbons is always a nightmare to the teacher who trains the children - it takes just one child to have a momentary lapse in concentration for the whole exercise to come to an abrupt and inglorious halt! ©Richard Harris |
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Ram Roasting c.1920 Roasting a complete ram is not a task to be undertaken lightly. The carcass is cooked whole - a process which can take more than 24 hours with the cook in constant attendance. This picture shows a pile of pit props (recognisable by the way they are cut) being used as firewood. ©Richard Harris |
© M.E. Brine. This page last updated
21 October, 2010
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