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The King's Glove
England held the largest and most elaborate of the early modern day expositions, the most famous one being the Stourbridge Fair. It was conducted by the Abbey of Stourbridge in conjunction with Cambridge University. The Fair featured trade and commercial exhibitions and activities, as well as a special court to try business-related crimes. A message from the King was read at the opening of the Fair which outlined the rules of the event, specifically rules about honest weights and measures and proper business conduct.
The King's Glove was displayed at the abbot to demonstrate the King's authority over the Fair. This large glove being a true replica of the "Royal Gauntlet", was raised and a pole to mark the location of the abbot's quarters during the exposition. It was elaborately carved from wood and painted in great detail. |