The Hockham Horn Fair dates from a charter granted by Henry III in 1272 for a fair to be held each year.  Anyone visiting the village had to undergo the custom of “doshing” or “dossing” as it is also referred, before they were allowed to the fair.

This custom consisted of strangers removing their hats and butting the hairy pad between the ox or ram's horns.  There was a penalty for dodging the "doss", of either the forfeit of a farthing, or the purchase of some free ale for the locals.  As with many traditional stories there are several versions of exactly what took place...

The Horn Fair has been resurrected and takes place each year around mid/late May on the Village Green, where you can also watch the Clodhoppers perform.

            A 'stranger' Dossing the Horns in 2006