As September was possibly the last mellow month of the year, many feasts and fairs were held around this time to take advantage of the weather and the abundance of food.
One popular type of fair was a 'mop fair' at which servants were normally hired for the coming year. Those wanting a job would line up and each one wear or hold a sign of their trade. E.g. a crook for a shepherd, a pot for a cook, a mop for a cleaner (hence the name 'mop fair'). If they were lucky enoughto be hired their employer would give them what was known as a 'fastenpenny' which was a gift of money to bind them to their new post at which point they were free to go off around the fair and enjoy themselves.
Enjoy the last few days of September and let's hope for an Indian summer to carry us into October.
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