Storytelling at Corby Pole Fair
Come along and enjoy storytelling performances throughout the day from the pre-1900s history of Corby, including tales of fugitive slaves, local nobles and rebellions!
Corby Weavers
In the Eighteenth Century, Corby was home to a thriving hand-loom weaving industry, with many weavers working out of cottages across the village. But by the time of the 1851 Census, there was not a single weaver left in the village.
Find out more about the plight of the Corby Weavers from storyteller Sarah Mooney on the High Street Stage at 9.30am, 12.15pm and 3.30pm.
Lord Cardigan
Lieutenant-General James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, whose family owned much of Corby Old Village, was an officer in the British Army who commanded the infamous Light Brigade during the Crimean War.
Hear more about Lord Cardigan and his adventures from storyteller Richard York on the Cardigan Stage at 10am, 1pm and 3.30pm.
Parliament Stone
The Parliament stone sits at the front of the church and in oral tradition is the site of the reading of the Corby Royal Charters of 1585 and 1670. Village folk would congregate at the stone and it was used by villagers to let off steam about local issues, as well as planning for the following week.
Find out more about the use of the Parliament Stone from storyteller Charlotte Mooney at the Parliament Stone (outside St John’s Church ) at 10.15am, 12.30pm and 4pm.
John Anderson
Corby took an active voice in the abolition of slavery, taking in former African slave John Anderson - the local clergy taught him to read and write. John Anderson had fled slavery in Southern USA and escaped via Canada to England. The abolitionist movement sent him to Corby where he also attended the 1862 fair and was made very welcome and ‘free of toll’.
Watch out for John Anderson during the walking parade at 11am.
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