The Sun. — 1837-05-18 (London, England)

WANDSWORTH FAIR.  Yesterday Wandsworth, decidedly the best suburban fair west of the metropolis, terminated, after three days' duration, during which it was visited by thousands of the middling and lower classes of society, without, we are Lzppy to say, the slightest infringement upon the rural games bei;,g attempted by any would-be-overbearing Aristoera:.y ; and it was gratifying to find that the nobility, gentry, and magistracy resident within the vicinity promoted the nesnifold amusements, to the great delight of the visitors, who, relieved from the cares and fatigue of their several occupations, determined to have a" jollification," being impressed with the idea that relaxation at times was positively necessary for the body as well as the senses, in crder to create fresh vigour upon return to business. There was scarcely a landlord either in Battersea, Wandsworth, or Putney, but sent forth his _programme of amusements for the entertainment of the town and country folks. A variety of prizes were given by the hosts of the several inns and taverns for donkey racing, climbing a greasy pole for a leg of mutton, jumping in -sacks, running fir a shill-, gingling matches, single-stick, wrestling, &c., and the can didates in general were very numerous, and their exertions likewise produced considerable fun and laughter. There were aquatic sports on " Old Father Thames," and the numerous rowing and sailing matches afforded plenty of life on the water. In the fair there were a large number of eating and drinking-booths, and the edibles and potables were disposed of with a rapidity that would have astonished the renowned " Dando" had he been present. The ball rooms, dancing-booths, or " hops," as they are technically termed, were crowded almost to suffocation ; but, nevertheless, they were fair specimens of gbod nature, pleasure, and happiness. It is true that at each assembly a master of the ceremonies attended, from the metropolis, to arrange the dances and keep good order ; but the fact was, there was nothing like ceremony about it. Pride was out of the question ; every man .was as good as his neighbour, and the female' portion of the company, the delicate votaries of Terpsichore, were all alive and merry on the " fantastic toe !" The assemblies generally commenced with quadrilles and terminated with country dances ; and there was no time nor room for criticism respecting the steps—every one did his best, and hops, skips, and jumps passed unnoticed. There were a number of theatrical shows, and on this occasion "the tag-rag children of Thalia, Melpomene's poor mob," mustered strongly, and great were their endeavours to "astonish the natives." A branch of the renowned " Muster " Richardson's show, in which were the united companies of the late hero of Bartleniy and Scowton shone Conspicuous, and some idea may be formed of the celebrity of the movements of " the heroes of the sock and buskin," when it is stated that in many of these practical theatres a five-act tragedy or melodrama, in which three murders were perpetrated, and as many ghosts in blue, green, and red fire made their appearance, and vanished through vampire traps, together with a comic song, a terrific broad-sword combat, and a pantomime, was played in -the short space of 20 minutes by Shrewsbury clock. The. equestrian and tight an 3 slack-rope performances were good. There were also Jim Crows, conjurors, fire-eaters, learned pigs, wild Indians, white-haired infants, and fat boys in abundance. Such were the humourous features displayed at this ruaCc. fete at Wandsworth. It was all happiness ; every body appeared pleased and satisfied, and not the slightest disorder occurred.