2-692-972 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'The Origin of Horn Fair, Held at Charlton in Kent', (c1803). Late 18th century depiction of a supposed incident involving King John of England, (1166-1216) who has been caught having committed adultery with the wife of a miller (brandishing knife on right), while a boy holds up a pair of antlers behind his head. (The symbol associated with cuckolding was a pair of horns). In the story, the King buys his life by drawing up a deed for a gift of land, on condition that a fair is held there every year, at which horns are to be worn.