Giglet Fairs of Okehampton, Holsworthy and South Molton

The kitchen maid by Jean-Baptiste Simeon

"AT many towns and villages in Devonshire, on the first Saturday after Christmas-day, and at Ladyday, it was customary, up to a recent date, for women and girls desirous of being hired as domestic servants to repair to the "fair-field" of the district and stand in rows on exhibition. Persons in need of servants would then make a tour of inspection and select such as appeared suitable to their requirements.

This custom prevailed until a few years ago, at Holsworthy, Okehampton, and South Molton.

After the business of the day was over a revel or pleasure fair was held, known as " The Giglet Fair " and "Giglet Market."

At Okehampton Giglet Fair, bachelors were allowed, without the ceremony of introduction, to approach, make love, and propose to the "giglet" of their choice. It frequently happened that the joy bells, in a few weeks, announced the success of their venture."

Hewett 1900

Map- Okehampton
Map - Holsworthy

Map - South Molton