Leigh Parish Lands Candle Auction

The candle auction at Leigh is one of a handful of survivors of an ancient method of selling which involves the auctioneer taking bids whilst a candle burns; when the flame goes out whoever placed the last bid wins. Depending on the candles, it can take just a few seconds or up to about 20 minutes (when we visited each one took around 10 minutes, thought the first one was almost out for most of that time and barely glowed!). It’s believed to date back at least to the seventeenth century and was used originally to raise funds for Poor Relief and to maintain the parish cottages. In this case the property up for rent is two pieces of land – one  a pasture for grazing from August until February, and the other a piece of woodland at Beer Mill Mead between October and February. A Trust administers the funds raised which are still used for the benefit of the villagers. In the past the auction was held in the village pub, but since it closed the event has changed venue to the Village Hall. All bidders, successful or otherwise, are traditionally en titles to a drink after the auction.

Helpful Hints

Though held each year, the auction is something of a moveable feast – it must be held in time for the succesful bidder to take possesion by Lammas Day (August 1st) so is held at a date prior to that. All are welcome to attend and it is an informal event. Currently the event is usually held on a Wednesday evening in mid to late June, which sadly no longer coincides with the visiting fish and chips van, but drinks are available on site at the Hall.

In 2024 it was on Wednesday 19th June- 2025 date is yet to be announced.

Click here for the village website: http://www.leighvillage.org.uk/