This is an old thread, I know, and this does not answer the question, but I googled for "going to rag fair" and came across a court transcript from the Old Bailey. As they often are, this is fascinating, so I thought I'd share it:

Trial of Elizabeth Selwood, 7th June 1753

A woman is lured into a dodgy house; she is convinced to take off all her clothes; she wakes to find clothes and money gone. The defendants' excuses are equally colourful.

There are other mentions: for example, during the theft of some gloves -- intriguing to hear of a girl ballad singer on the streets: Old Bailey Proceedings, 27th February 1734
And later on the same page, mild torture in the courtroom. But now I'm definitely drifting off the point...