1757. Postlethwayt in his “Dictionary of Trade and Commerce,” 2nd edition, speaks of the fair as “beyond all comparison the greatest in Britain, and perhaps in the world”—as it certainly was at this time.
1759. The Corporation ordered the collector of the tolls to provide weights and scales for weighing hops and other goods at the fair, and agreed to indemnify him against any suit in relation to the weighing of such goods.
Peculiar custom of the Fair.—1762. At this fair about this date, there was in practice the custom of “Initiation” or “Christening.” It took place usually on the evening of the horse-fair day—perhaps because there was a species of horse-play about the performance, at the “Robin Hood” inn, famous in the annals of the fair. The formula was as follows:—The freshman was introduced to the elder members in the parlour of the inn, and two sponsors being previously chosen for him, he was placed in an armchair, his head uncovered, and his shoes off. Two vergers, holding staves and lighted candles, assisted the officiator, who was robed in a Cantab’s gown and cap, with a bell in one hand and a book in the other. He commenced the ceremony by asking “Is this an Infidel?” Answer, “Yes.” “What does he require?” Answer, “Instruction (or to be instructed).” “Where are the sponsors? let them stand forward!” A bowl of punch or a bottle of wine was placed on the table handy for the officiator, who then chaunted the following doggrel:—
Over thy head I ring this bell,
Because thou art an infidel,
And I know thee by thy smell—[7]
Chorus. With a hoccius proxius mandamus,
Let no vengeance light on him,