I would take issue with the statement that it's the second largest fair, that title would go to Stowe Horse fair. Not that it matters of course. The interesting fact is that it is a charter fair and run by Travellers. This gives more credence to the 'Gypsy' origin of Taylor's source for 'Brigg Fair', and explains the unique verse. It also helps to explain the 'Maria Marten' tune which seems to be used extensively for different songs by Travellers to this day. It is also interesting to note that the second verse seems to be from 'Low down in the Broom'. That tune is also within the 'Lazarus' tune family, albeit one of the most inventive variants. None of this detracts from Taylor's rendition of the song, or his superlative performance. A highly ornamented style is unusual in English Traditional singing, and I have often speculated upon Taylor's vocal influences. Gypsy folk again? Who knows.