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A HISTORIC horse fair dating back almost 900 years is under threat from developers, organisers have warned.
Lee Gap horse fair takes place annually at Baghill Green in West Ardsley, just outside Leeds, but there are fears that this year’s event, which ended today, could be the last because Baghill Green has been earmarked for a housing development by owners Redrow.
The fair was reputedly chartered by King Stephen in 1139 and still attracts travelling communities from across Britain and beyond.
Tom Leadley, who has been organising the fair since 1995, said: “There’s no historic right or association with that field. The fair has moved around the parish and I’m not blaming the developers.”
The event is supported by local people.
Many of the travellers attending the fair are often on their way south from the much bigger Apperley horse fair in the north-east of England, which takes place in August.
