A Mayflower bazaar, Harecourt Chapel, Canonbury, North London (November, 1920)

The end of the tercentenary year saw a number of Mayflower-themed bazaars and sales of work. Such events were often held at churches and chapels around the Christmas period to raise money for repairs and building work, and the tercentenary provided a picturesque theme. Harecourt Chapel in north London was once one of the largest and most influential Congregational churches in London. It has started its life in Aldersgate, in the City, but had followed its parishioners as they moved northward, away from the City itself. It was then established in Canonbury, but was struggling to keep afloat “owing to the migration of numerous wealthy families to the suburbs, and the continually changing character of the population”. Its pastor in 1920 was none other than the author and director of the Mayflower pageant, Rev. Hugh Parry, whose influence during the tercentenary meant that Harecourt could attract more attention to its bazaar. There were hopes of raising some £400. The Mayflower theme saw the lady stallholders dress up as Puritans to sell their wares. The Liberal politician Sir Godfrey Baring and Lady Baring were in attendance, and the the music for the occasion was conducted by Lillian Baylis, manager of the Old Vic theatre, Southwark.

Islington Chronicle, “Harecourt ‘Mayflower’ Bazaar”, 26 November 1920.