Dating back to the original Charter granted by Henry III in 1252, the Charter Fair is older than Nottingham's Goose Fair. The original fair consisted of little more than peddlars, agricultural traders and a few opportunist entertainers. Now, it is widely regarded as one of the UK's premier modern-day fairs and boasts some of the biggest and best travelling fairground rides in the country. A magnet for visitors to Ilkeston, it enjoys the distinction of a slot in the calendar of nationally known Autumn fairs, along with Nottingham's Goose Fair and the Great Hull Pleasure Fair. The fair combines the latest 'white knuckle' rides with traditional favourites including the gallopers, waltzer, and dodgems, which take over the Market Place, Upper Bath Street, East Street, South Street, Queen Street, Wharncliffe Road and Pimlico,