Daniel Day walked to Fairlop from Wapping and back when he collected the rents. The distance proved tiring by foot so he decided in later years to find another method of getting there. He fell from a horse, got thrown from a mule and travelled in a carriage that overturned. An engine he built broke down on the third trip. Dissatisfied with incidents involving traditional coaches, Daniel opted to travel in a "boat" mounted on a carriage chassis. Joined by musicians and block-makers, this transformed into an impressive annual procession that marked the beginning of the well-known fair. He gave instructions for his body to be conveyed to his graveside over water.

Poem by Raymond Small

Walking to Fairlop proved tiring of course,

so good Daniel Day purchased a horse.

Falling off saddle, Daniel felt such a fool,

so horse got replaced with a troublesome mule.

The mule threw Daniel into the mire,

 leaving him wet and in muddy attire.

Riding four-legged beasts lost Daniel's trust,

so getting post-chaise became urgent must.

Accident in carriage wasn't foreseen,

Which led to Daniel inventing machine.

Two mechanical journeys without a frown,

but on the third trip his engine broke down.

Good old Daniel Day kept plans afloat

By making his last trips to Fairlop in a horse-drawn boat.