Wisbech St Mary’s races

The village of Wisbech St Mary, two miles from Wisbech, was long known for its yearly show of rustic sports on the lawn of the squire, John Ream. In 1826 the bill promised two days of horse, pony and donkey races, wheelbarrow races, jumping in sacks, jingling matches and foot races, all for free prizes. A ploughing match was held on the second morning, with a sovereign for the best furrow, and a band played each evening. The organisers boasted that it was free of the drunkenness usual at village feasts.