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The Tabers Folly is on a plan of Norwich dated 1746 in Francis
Blomefield's History Of Norwich, where the name appears to be an
alternative local name for the Justing (Jousting) Acre. This long, narrow
strip of land lay to the south of the city wall between St Martin's Gate
and St Augustine's Gate. It was in use in medieval times for practising
tilting on horseback, archery and for jousting tournaments. Edward III is
thought to have attended a tournament there on St Valentines Day, 1340.
By the 17th century the area had become a place where Norwich's citizens
gathered in large numbers on summer evenings and holidays to make merry.
In 1671 the Norwich Bellman was ordered to give notice to the `Inhabitants
beyond the Water that they forbear to spoil the Grass in the Gilding Croft
by immoderate Campings and Dauncing there'.
`Camping' or `Camp Ball' was an early very rough form of football played
by two large teams.
On Samuel King's plan of Norwich of 1766, the Tabers Folly is shown as a
distinct square bordered by buildings on two sides on the east side of St
Martin at Oak Lane near St Martin's Gate. To the south of this area the plan
names a larger, open area called the Folly Grounds.
Possibly the tavern took its name from the local name for the area, an
area where tabor players entertained people as they caroused, danced or
played camp ball. |
