Meet the two brothers who protected the Baldock Charter this year, and whose family have been involved annual fair for a generations.

The Comet: The Baldock Charter Fair has been going since 1199. Picture: Charles AbbottThe Baldock Charter Fair has been going since 1199. Picture: Charles Abbott (Image: Archant)

Charles and Cy Abbott took one children’s fairground ride to the Baldock Charter fair this year, to protect the royal charter which has been upheld since 1199.

The brothers’ family has run the fair for 100 years, but it could not return in its full glory this year due to the coronavirus.

“We had to go with one children’s ride and that maintained the charter,” Charles said.

“For future generations, if you fail to do this, the charter is never allowed to return again.

The Comet: The Baldock Charter Fair was quite different this year, as the Abbott brothers brought the just one ride to town to keep the charter alive. Picture: Charles AbbottThe Baldock Charter Fair was quite different this year, as the Abbott brothers brought the just one ride to town to keep the charter alive. Picture: Charles Abbott (Image: Archant)

“This year would be 821 years, and the only time in peace times when it hasn’t taken place.

“I know the charter fair is looked at by some of the public as a pain, but on the other hand they are highly supported.

“Many came to us and said ‘thank you for coming and keeping the charter alive’.”

The money raised from this year’s charter fair – £112 – will be split between The Rosie Maternity Hospital at Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge, and Lister Hospitals Neonatal unit, after both brothers had personal experiences with them.

The Comet: The fair as we know it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Charles AbbottThe fair as we know it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Charles Abbott (Image: Archant)

The Comet: The fair raised more than £100 for maternity and neonatal units at Addenbrooke's and Lister hospitals. Picture: Charles AbbottThe fair raised more than £100 for maternity and neonatal units at Addenbrooke's and Lister hospitals. Picture: Charles Abbott (Image: Archant)