We have added this to the Tidal Glossary 

But it is so interesting we are posting it here too.

Dutch Fair. A fair, or market, on Great Yarmouth Beach, but we think other places too, where Dutch barges would beach at high tide, sell goods to local shoppers, then set sail again at the next high tide. There is quite a famous painting by George Vincent which can be seen here.  From Hugh Aldersey-Williams; Tide: The Science and Law of the Greatest Force on Earth.  Another online account describes the scence;

“The “Dutch Fair”, as it is denominated, is held on the beach, and presents an interesting appearance. From twenty to thirty of their falt bottomed boats are run on the shore at high water, and as the tide receded, are left high and dry.  Dutch pipes, dried flounders, wooden shoes, apples, and gingerbread, are then offered for sale, and if the weather be fine, the beach is throunged with company, many of whom come from a great distance.”