Up to the time of the Norman Conquest churchyards appear to have been considered almost as sacred as churches; but soon after that period, although regarded as places of sanctuary, they were often used for profane purposes. I recollect reading of fairs and rustic sports being held in them as early as John's reign, but unfortunately I have not been an observer of your motto, and know not where to refer to such instances. I shall therefore feel obliged to any of your readers who will specify a few instances of the profanation of churchyards at different periods ����. - see Notes and Queries Vol. 2 (34) June 22 1850 Page 56 for the rest of a long question

I beg to submit the following observations in answer to the Queries under this head.

Fairs, and also markets, were held in churchyards until put a stop to in 1285 by an enactment in the 13 Edw. I, c. 6:

"E communde le rey e defend qe feire ne marche ne seiente trnure en cimeter pur honur de seint eglise."

Previous to the passing of this act, the king had forbidden the keeping of Northampton fair in the churchyard of All Saints in that town; and Bishop Grostête, following the monarch's example, had sent instructions through the whole diocese of Lincoln, prohibiting fairs to be kept in such sacred places. (See Burn's Eccl. Law, iti. "Church," ed. 1788). Fairs and markets were usually held on Sunday, until the 27 Hen., VI, c, 5. Ordered the discontinuing of this custom, with trifling exceptions. <Big snip of other material> ARUN,

Notes and Queries Vol. 2 (36) Jul 6 1850 Page 93

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