The Burton Statutes Fair, often affectionately known locally as the Burton ‘Statchets’, is one of Burton upon Trent’s best-known traditions. Every autumn, fairground rides, attractions, lights and crowds transform the centre of the town, continuing a tradition with roots stretching back centuries.
But what exactly is a statute, why is the Burton event called a Statutes Fair, and how did an old hiring fair become the spectacular funfair we know today?
What does ‘statute’ mean?
The word statute has several meanings, depending on its historical context.
In modern English, a statute is a written law formally made by a legislature. For example, an Act of Parliament is a type of statute.
However, in the historical context of the Statutes Fair, the word has a different meaning. A statute fair, also known as a hiring fair or mop fair, was an annual event where employers and workers came together to arrange employment.
The name is connected with legislation regulating hiring and employment. The Statute of Labourers of 1351, introduced during the reign of Edward III, is particularly relevant to the wider history of English hiring practices. Over time, annual hiring fairs became known as statute fairs.
So, when we talk about the Burton Statutes Fair, “statutes” does not simply mean that the fair itself was created by a particular statute. Instead, it relates to the historical tradition of statute or hiring fairs.
What is the Burton Statutes Fair?
The Statutes Fair in Burton upon Trent is an annual fair traditionally held around Michaelmas, at the end of September or beginning of October.
Today, visitors know the event mainly for its fairground rides, amusement attractions, food stalls and colourful lights. Historically, however, the purpose of the Statutes Fair was very different.
The fair was once an important hiring fair, where agricultural workers, servants and labourers could meet prospective employers and arrange employment for the coming year.
This makes the modern Burton Statutes Fair an interesting example of a local tradition that has changed dramatically while retaining its historic name and identity.
The Medieval History of Burton Statutes Fair
The origins of the Burton Statutes Fair are connected with the medieval history of Burton upon Trent and the influence of Burton Abbey.
During the medieval period, the abbey and its abbots played an important role in the administration and economic life of the town. Markets and fairs were an important part of medieval society, providing opportunities for people to trade goods, conduct business and meet others from the surrounding countryside.
Burton had established medieval market and fair rights, although the precise origins of the Statutes Fair itself are more complicated. There is no surviving specific statute establishing the event under the name “Statutes Fair”.
Nevertheless, the tradition became firmly established in Burton and eventually developed into the hiring fair remembered by later generations.
Burton’s Traditional Hiring Fair
Before the modern fairground became the main attraction, the Burton Statutes Fair was an important employment event.
Agricultural labourers, servants and other workers would attend the fair hoping to secure a position. Employers could meet potential workers and make arrangements for the year ahead.
Traditionally, workers who had secured employment could indicate this by wearing a coloured ribbon or other sign.
The Burton Statutes was therefore once an important part of the local agricultural economy.
How the Burton Statutes Became a Funfair
The Burton Statutes Fair gradually changed as the way people lived and worked changed.
Entertainment increasingly became part of the event. Fairground rides, stalls and amusements provided something for people to enjoy alongside the more serious business of finding employment.
Over time, the hiring function disappeared altogether.
What remained was the fair itself.
Today, the Burton Statutes Fair is primarily an entertainment event, attracting families, young people and visitors to the centre of Burton upon Trent.
The transformation from hiring fair to modern funfair illustrates how traditional events can adapt to changing society while retaining their historic name.
The Burton ‘Statchets’
Ask a local person about the Statutes Fair, and you may hear it called the “Statchets”.
This distinctive local pronunciation has become part of Burton’s identity and is one of the details that makes the event particularly special to local people.
For generations of Burton residents, the arrival of the Statchets has been a familiar sign of autumn.
The rides appear, the lights go on and the town centre takes on a completely different atmosphere.
The Statutes Fair in Burton Town Centre
The fair has historically been closely associated with Burton town centre.
Older accounts refer to hiring activities taking place around locations including the yards of Burton’s historic hotels. As the event developed, its character changed from an employment gathering into a much larger public fair.
Today, the fair occupies parts of the town centre and Market Place, creating a striking contrast between Burton’s historic streets and the modern fairground.
The Burton Statutes Fair Through the Years
Burton Statutes 1980, Photo credit Burton Mail Archives
Like many long-established traditions, the Statutes Fair has faced challenges throughout its history.
During the nineteenth century, there were complaints about the fair and suggestions that it should be moved or abolished. Despite this opposition, the tradition continued.
The fair also experienced difficulties during the Second World War, when blackout restrictions affected the ability to operate a traditional illuminated fair.
Later, changes to Burton town centre and redevelopment created further questions about where and how the fair should operate.
Yet the Statutes survived.
Its ability to adapt has helped keep the tradition part of Burton’s calendar.
The Statutes Fair During COVID-19
Burton Statutes 2020 during Covid, Photo credit Derby Telegraph
The long history of the Burton Statutes Fair includes one particularly unusual recent chapter.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the traditional fair could not operate normally.
However, a single fairground ride was installed in Burton Market Place.
While this was very different from the usual spectacle, it provided a symbolic link with the tradition and demonstrated how important the Statutes Fair had become to the town.
Why is the Burton Statutes Fair Important?
For visitors, the Statutes Fair is primarily about entertainment.
For local people, however, it represents something more.
The fair connects modern Burton with its past. The event has changed from an historic hiring fair into a modern funfair, but its name and place in the local calendar have helped preserve its connection with previous generations.
Parents who remember going to the Statchets as children can now take their own children.
That continuity is an important part of the appeal.
Burton Statutes Fair, a Burton Tradition
The Burton Statutes Fair, or Burton Statchets, has come a long way from its origins as a hiring and agricultural gathering.
Its purpose may have changed, but its importance as a Burton tradition remains.
For generations, the fair has brought people into the town centre, created memories and provided a regular reminder of Burton upon Trent’s colourful past.
So, when the rides arrive and the lights illuminate Burton town centre, remember that you’re not simply visiting a funfair.
You’re taking part in a tradition with centuries of Burton upon Trent history behind it. Have a fabulous time!