The 'North Devon Magazine' of 1824 has this rhyme:
The Misses make their start in life, its gaieties to share, sir!
And ladies look for beaux and balls to Barnstaple Fair, sir!
Then sing of Barum, merry town, and Barum's worthy mayor too,
I know no place in all the world old Barum to compare to!
The little boys and girls at school their nicest clothes prepare, ma'am!
To walk the streets and buy sweetmeats and gingerbread so rare, ma'am!
A History of Barnstaple Fair - by Martin Burridge