There was published “A Description of Bartholomew Fair” by George Alexander Stevens, whereof the following gives a good idea of the medley life there seen:—
Here was, first of all, crowds against other crowds driving,
Like wind and tide meeting, each contrary striving;
Shrill fiddling, sharp fighting, and shouting and shrieking,
Fifes, trumpets, drums, bagpipes and barrow girls squeaking,
“Come my rare round and found, here’s choice of fine ware-o;”
Though all was not found sold at Bartholomew fair-o.
There was drolls, hornpipe dancing, and showing of postures,
With frying black-puddings, and op’ning of oysters;
With Salt-boxes solos, and gallery-folks squalling;