The Penny stalls, Mitcham Fair, Upper Green
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1896 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Copyright 1 | London Borough of Merton |
| Picture Reference | Mit_TomFrancis_Ln116 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Photographer / Origin of Photo | Tom Francis |
| Notes / History | Local youngsters gather round the penny stalls, Mitcham Fair. The traditional fair combined rides such as the carousel, cake-walk and swing-boats with coconut shies, rifle ranges, stage shows and a vast array of penny stalls. In the days before mass marketing, many rural communities relied on travelling pedlars and hawkers to provide them with household goods. The penny stalls sold cheaper items for a penny or less, such as dolls, toys, drums, glassware, china and ornaments. The fair also staged shows from music and drama to “freak shows” and animal trainers. |
